I was recently tipped off to one of the most unbelievable travel tricks ever. In this day and age of insane security, invasive procedures and removal of freedoms, here’s a bright ray of sunshine. With an unintentional loophole (maybe intentional with some of the drinking habits in Congress), you have the freedom to take the alcohol (or non-alcohol) of your choice on your flight with you.

I first had a discussion with a TSA supervisor about this a couple of months back. My clarifying question was in regards to the 1 qt bag of liquids you are allowed to take through security. The rule is that you can take as many containers that are less than 100ml (~3 oz) each that you can fit in a 1 qt Ziploc style bag. I then specifically asked if alcohol was allowed. The answer was a resounding “Yes!” In fact, he was enthusiastic about it.

To test this, I waited until Amy and I took a recent trip to Vegas. I drove to the Missouri border liquor store, Macadoodles, and purchased ten 50 ml bottles of liquor. Arkansas liquor stores don’t offer the tiny buggers. They were $2.50 each, compared with $7 each on American flights. I decided to fore-go my Listerine and cologne and put some of the bottles in my liquid bag.

The moment of truth came when I went through the TSA security checkpoint at XNA. I pulled my computer out of my bag, took off my shoes, then reached in and grabbed my 1 qt dream bag. I put it into its own bin, skittishly looked around to see if Tasers we’re being drawn, then moved to the full body scanner. As I walked by the TSA Agent at the scanner, he smiled at me and said, “I like your liquid bag.” I smiled back, more in relief than joy.

I then moved through the scanner, collected my computer, shoes and mini bottles of fun. I asked another Agent if I could take photos and he gave me permission.

So, there you have it. At least for now, you are allowed to take bottles of alcohol that are 100ml (~3 oz) or less through security, as long as they fit in your 1 qt bag.

Some quick tips:

Bottles cost around $7 on the flight, but around $2.50 at a liquor store.

The variety offered at a liquor store will far surpass that on the flight, so you can get the brand you prefer.

Once you buy and use the 50 ml travel bottles, save them so you can refill them later. The refill will cost you around $1 each, based on a $20 1L bottle of alcohol.

There are 88.7 ml in 3 oz. Therefore, you can actually buy 3 oz travel shampoo containers and get more liquor per container, but not necessarily more per bag. The 50 ml travel size is the largest standard size that meets the < 3 oz criteria.

§121.575 Alcoholic beverages.
(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

(b) No certificate holder may serve any alcoholic beverage to any person aboard any of its aircraft who—

(1) Appears to be intoxicated;

(2) Is escorting a person or being escorted in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.221; or

(3) Has a deadly or dangerous weapon accessible to him while aboard the aircraft in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.219, 1544.221, or 1544.223.

(c) No certificate holder may allow any person to board any of its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.

(d) Each certificate holder shall, within five days after the incident, report to the Administrator the refusal of any person to comply with paragraph (a) of this section, or of any disturbance caused by a person who appears to be intoxicated aboard any of its aircraft.

The Cabin Safety Subject Index describes itself as: “The Cabin Safety Subject Index (CSSI) is a reference guide to Federal Regulations, FAA Orders, Advisory Circulars, Information for Operators (InFO), Safety Alerts for Operators (SAFO), legal interpretations, and other FAA related content related to cabin safety.” Therefore, the contents are not all “LAW”, as many have tried to claim in the comments. There is also no penalty listed, only requirements for airline staff and operators.

In Conclusion

My belief is that it is against most airline policies to consume your own alcohol in-flight. The FAA stipulates to the airlines that they should be the ones to serve customers alcohol so that they can judge the safety risk in doing so. Additionally, it is generally a bad idea to be trashed on a plane.

All this said, TSA allows you to pass through security with alcohol. So, if you’d like to take it through security, mix a drink in the terminal privately or in secret on the plane, you can. Just don’t be stupid or misbehave, and you have a low risk of getting in trouble.

After more than 4 million people have viewed this article, not one has said that they faced charges for this. However, hundreds of people have claimed things as law that are not law.

In the end, just be smart and courteous. It’s a pretty darn good rule for life.

except its illegal to drink your own alcohol on any flight, and you can actually be arrested for it. I am a flight attendant and we have had many passengers arrested because they were drinking their own alcohol, so not to sure if your savings would be worth the embarrassment and fine yo would have to pay if you got caught drinking it.

This isn’t true at all. FAA requires the crew to monitor the alcohol consumption of passengers, so you may have to tell the flight attendant how many bottles you brought on, but anyone who tells you it’s illegal is lying.

Sorry Wesley, Caml, & Rich but you are incorrect. I am a Flight Attendant. FAA Regulations as well as CARS (Canadian Aviation Regulations) are LAWS for aviation specifically, completely different from liquor laws in a restaurant/bar/etc. on the ground and only alcohol served by the crew are allowed for consumption on-board. International carriers will have similar regulations but it may differ slightly depending on the country/origin of the airline, etc.
Crew cannot solely monitor how much a passenger is drinking just by “trusting” they are being honest about how many drinks they have brought on-board. There are huge liability issues with this as there is no real way to know the actual contents in the bottle, but more importantly the safety issues this can cause.
Similar to liquor laws on the ground, say you got intoxicated on the plane (regardless if it was your own alcohol or the airlines) and ended up getting in a car accident & injuring others, the courts could find the bartender at the pub/airline liable for over serving you and allowing someone to leave intoxicated. Even if you did pay for all of your drinks on-board but you were served to the point of intoxication, the FA(‘s) would be in breach of the regulations. Not to mention that medical emergencies can happen in a matter of seconds as alcohol affects the body differently in the air due to change in altitude. Sometimes to the extent of emergency landings/diversions. Crew members also have every right and are actually required by law to refuse transport to anyone who is intoxicated prior to boarding the aircraft. And no, you obviously wouldn’t get arrested while in the air but if you fail to comply with the air crew, you are breaking the law (air regulations) and risking the safety of the crew, all other passengers on-board and maybe even yourself, so then you would be met as soon as that plane lands by the police. And don’t forget, as much as we are there to ensure you have an enjoyable flight, our priority is SAFETY so if the situation got to the point of violence, crew members are well trained (think high jackings) so that you are nice and ready for the officers on the ground. ;)

Rich, I suggest that before you continue to say that people are “lying” you should educate yourself with valid information rather than making assumptions.

Cinn- To answer your question. There may not be anyone specifically monitoring you if you choose to drink your own alcohol in the airport however, it is a public venue and it is illegal to drink your own alcohol in any public venue which is not licensed. But more importantly, if you are a bit intoxicated prior to boarding, the crew has every right to deny you transport and you may get re-accommodated onto a later flight at your own cost.

The airlines also have to have special liquor licenses for the aircraft so just like bars/restaurants, you cannot just bring your own beer, wine or hard booze and ask the waitress to serve it to you. Those other crew members who are saying otherwise, either don’t know the regulations well enough or their airlines themselves haven’t trained their staff properly &/or updated their information available to the public.

Now I’m confused…I don’t doubt the flight attendants here saying it’s against FAA regulations, but I definitely was told this by an FA on one flight and had it confirmed by another friend of mine who’s an FA. I’d understand if the one who told me that on a flight didn’t want to bother enforcing the policy, but telling me that the policy allowed it must open all kinds of liability issues.

Yes it is illegal to open and drink your own alcohol. Just imagine the issue of a bunch of drunk people to contend with. On some international flights they make announcements informing people about this rule. It’s nothing to do with profit it’s to do with safety.

Wrong. I’m an F/A as well. They can bring their own alcohol on the plane, but it cannot be consumed on the ground, and the F/A must serve it to them. Yes, you can bring your own alcohol, but you must give it to the F/A to serve it to you. (They are supposed to insure that you don’t get intoxicated) This is per the FAA.

Hey, flight attendant, is it possible for you to “not notice” a passenger who’s drinking his own supply? Do you absolutely have to be a part of the mindset that contributes to this freedom stifling atmosphere? Totalitarianism can’t happen without enough people who are willing to go out of their way to inform on each other. Yeah, you have a job to do, but why not deal with those who become unruly, no matter the cause, and leave the rest of us alone?

Go ahead try and arrest me for drinking something consumable that I purchased myself which you also allowed me to bring into your place of business. I would sue the crap out of you flight attendant, airline, and all and would broadcast it on YouTube world wide. If you allow me on that plane with something safe and consumable, you can not deny me my freedom for it especially if I cause no harm or disturbance to others. You have balls and flight school brainwashing written all over you.

Yeah Arnold! Shame on those flight attendants who are just looking out for their own job security. :P

I worked as a bouncer and bartender for several years, and choosing to look the other way can cost someone their job, and even put them in a legal pickle. How about calming down and understanding things from their point of view?

That’s right you can go for the 20000 foot and climbing bonesesh. Its not against the law. However if a flight attendant asks you to disengage you must. Not following the directions of a flight attendant is against the law.

I know what you are talking about I work for an airline as well and its not allowed and you can be arrested and many have been. Who ever posted this is very irresponsible. Airlines have a liquor license just like any bar and you can not bring your own liquor into any bar its just common sense it puts your liquor license in jeopardy
!.

“You may bring wine, champagne or beer on a flight for consumption during the flight if it is in an unopened container. If you’d like to drink the alcohol you carry on, you may give it to one of our Inflight crewmembers, and they will be happy to serve it to you.”

Its people like you that try and ruin everybody’s good time. I bet you are the sole reason why people get arrested for that on your flights. People like you suck. Go eat some cheese you rat faced hater.

Airlines say it is about safety not price. Then why charge $8.00 per drink? Why not ban alcohol / consumption altogether on planes, wouldn’t that be a safe and responsible thing to do, or is it about profit and then cover it up with safety regulation because of potential
lawsuits.

lynnie, thanks for your knowledge re consuming personal booze on a flight; i’m assuming many readers are young and naïve enuf to believe each passenger is equal under the influence..in high altitudes..nope. There is a maxim ‘the truth is in the wine’ – it means you will experience what lives in the person when alcohol lifts their ‘veil.’ Out comes their light or their darkness .. its the dark ones that must be monitored by caution, thus all are included. This article appears to be written by someone who has too soon forgotten, or never learned about, those who use any body orifice to board their secret devil..forgotten about those passengers who never landed on a runway..got sprinkled over the ocean bc past, more trusting security was outsmarted by the evil of one passenger willing to ‘explode’ the works. Thankfully I no longer board a craft with worries..bc they can do an internal on me if they wish..in return for my safe journey … cheers !!!

It may be illegal, but it’s not unlawful, and if you take anything away from a passenger or interfere with their right to liberty, you are the one committing the crimes. If it were me you would be the one arrested.

Yep, I was just about to say the same thing. The flight attendants are the keeper of all alcohol consumption on the plane. Also, if you drink your alcohol in the waiting area and show up drunk you can be denied boarding. It’s a safety issue.

When we were on a recent trip to Hawaii my daughter brought her own alcohol in the little bottles, from my understanding u can’t open them yourselves but you can give it to the flight attendant to pour for you.

@Craig Bartmer, you by far have one of the dumbest comments I have ever seen. I would love to see you “sue the crap out of” flight attendants and airlines. Are you also going to sue the crap out of a bar when you bring in a fifth of vodka and they ban you?

This is very true,I purchased some alcohol after going through security and after I got on the plane I was told I could not drink my alcohol,I had to buy it from the airline if I wanted a drink.The airline does not carry what I like…if your going to make us buy it from the airline for 4 times the cost,the at least have a wide selection…people can bring food on…that does not touch their profit….

hey Tough Guy Craig…..go ahead and try it on my flight. And educate yourself on FAR’s before you start flapping your mouth. And go ahead and post it on YouTube, more evidence for the feds and the airline.

Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121.575 is below
121.575 Alcoholic beverages.
(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.
(b) No certificate holder may serve any alcoholic beverage to any person aboard any of its aircraft who—
(1) Appears to be intoxicated;
(2) Is escorting a person or being escorted in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.221; or
(3) Has a deadly or dangerous weapon accessible to him while aboard the aircraft in
accordance with 49 CFR 1544.219, 1544.221, or 1544.223.
(c) No certificate holder may allow any person to board any of its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.

(d) Each certificate holder shall, within five days after the incident, report to the Administrator the refusal of any person to comply with paragraph (a) of this section, or of any disturbance caused by a person who appears to be intoxicated aboard any of its aircraft.
Here is my breakdown of the above
(a)So you can bring your own alcohol but the flight attendant must serve it to you.
(b)(1) If he/she belives you are intoxicated, then they must stop serving you.
(b)(2) They cannont serve an officer escorting a prisoneer
(b)(3) They cannot serve an armed Law Enforcement Officer
(c) they should not let you board if you are intoxicated
(d) they have a five day window to report you if you are intoxicated and if you cause a disturbance

That is the law for carriers based in the United States, most countries copy that. Disclamer, carriers are allowed to have their own policies which can be more limiting. and if you do not follow the instructions of a flight attendannt you may be subject to fines and arrest.

Just fly almost any of the Asian airlines. They hire friendly, competent and wonderful flight attendants that understand that QUALITY customer service is equally as important as “SAFETY” to most customers. I have grown to loathe Western based airlines with the “safety conscious” excuse-ridden rude flight attendants (except for a few Western airlines) after living in Korea for 3 years and flying most all of the Asian airlines. Oh, and many of them offer free alcohol to all passengers negating the whole need to worry about being arrested for drinking your own alcohol. :-)

The funny thing is someone like Craig would likely end up winning a lawsuit like that. It has happened many times before when ridiculous lawsuits that merit fault on the plaintiff would often be victorious in court. Messed up times we live in. And it is a strange and comical twist of fate that often happens to those who assert power over others and attempt to monopolize resources to be put in their places and to go back to what they’re suppose to be doing. Attending to our requests hence attending, not denying them.

Clearly alcohol can be served if the certificate holder dispenses it. Any establishment against that is no different than a restaurant that states no outside food or beverages. Safety concern my ass. It’s money. Otherwise no alcohol should be served at all.

Lynnie, you are correct. I must say though, none of my passengers have been charged, just removed from flights at the next stop. We are even allowed to return their liquor to them at the end of the flight (if caught) at our own discretion. I have been a passenger on flights where people drink their duty free!! But a few minis in an airport boarding chair, hey, it’s no different than if someone goes into Chili’s on the secured side and pounds a few back.

Hope you all get my little LOST pun with my name, considering we’re talking about planes, booze, and all being a little LOST (literally and figuratively)*PS I hope I’m not breaking any laws here regarding intellectual property:). This is a pretty entertaining thread, as it seems like a FA (Flight Attendant) vs non-FA battle royal, with some other comments overly concerned with a few silly laws. Regardless of the laws on in-flight drinking your own alcohol, you ARE able to bring nips (the 50ml booze bottles) through security…I won’t bore you with my qualifications regarding this matter, as it is irrelevant whether or not you are a FA, just read your current F.A.A. and airlines rules to get the proper information, mystery solved. Argue all you want, but you can just call or look right here online for the proper legal information. If you can’t find it, you probably shouldn’t try to bring booze on a plane, since you probably don’t have the common sense to do so without repercussion. To all the FA’s out there, step away from your training and fear of what you say in this silly forum taking your job…are you really going to speak here with the type of self-righteousness to tell people bringing a few nips on board is such a bad idea because you are SOOO concerned about everyone’s safety? If this was truly the case, why would your airline ask you to serve those close to $10 a drink, weak and poorly made mixed drinks to civilians on those longer flights? Are they concerned for yours and everyone else’s safety by trying to make that nervous flyer go broke before they get to their vacation destination? It’s under your watch, so if someone becomes a belligerent flyer(for any reason, not necessarily directly related to alcohol consumption) do your job and do what you are trained to do. Don’t sit here and try to discourage people from legally bringing alcohol on board to take the edge off. If someone gets belligerent, deal with it. Most likely it won’t have to do with the 4 or 5 nips they brought on board, but maybe it will. On those longer flights, won’t you be allowed (if not encouraged…let us be honest here) to push those in flight cocktails?

Everyone else…are you really that worried about the legality/difficulty of consuming something you already have on board in a quick or discrete way? If you are legally allowed to bring it through security, and you are legally allow to bring it on board, but not legally allowed to (technically) consume such items on board, do you really think that you are going to be detained in-flight by an FA on a major commercial airline, then arrested once at your destination, for drinking one nip of your own booze (if you even have such a hard time concealing it, I mean come on, I am not a large man but I can still palm a plane pal and get it into my body/soda/whatever I want without the person sitting to either side of me even noticing)? Trust me when I say, most FA’s would rather overlook your few little booze bottle consumption than cause a scene or to go as far as to DETAIN you mid-flight and have you arrested once grounded (as this would most likely cause far more of a panic/disturbance than most average fliers having a drink or two [again, most airlines are serving the same drinks anyway, so this whole safety argument is quite a bit of self-righteous ridiculousness]) and I AM speaking from certain qualified experience.

Conclusion: Take the risk, don’t take the risk. Be smart, and be respectful of your fellow flyers, your airline staff, and yourself. You most likely will NOT be detained/arrested for drinking your own stash on board, most FA’s really don’t care as long as you are calm and respectful, the worst thing that will happen if caught is getting your stash confiscated just like any bar/restaurant/other venue with a liquor license. Again, it takes about 2 minutes to check the most up-to-date F.A.A. regulations, the policies of the airline you are flying, and so on. Again, just like all things common sense in life, try to be smart, be decent, and be respectful, and you will be treated the same.

LynnieMO- I was a Flight Attendant for twenty five years(Real Flight Attendants capitalize it). I have come across people doing this, as have all my friends in the business. I, and my friends, did one thing: Determine that the passenger was not inebriated, then warn them to be more careful hiding it. Hell, I’ve done it myself on vacation. Many times. Once, a guy pulled out a pint of Bourbon and proceeded to pour himself a drink. How he got that through security… don’t get me started on that. Since this was too obvious, our response was to take the bottle and give it to the Captain to put in the cockpit… we then handed it back to him as he was deplaning. I gave him the “fill an airline bottle” tip for next time. It sounds like you are a rather mean person.

The law does not appear to say that. The law appears to say passengers can only consume liquor the attendant SERVES to them – there is nothing about who owns the booze, or who has to pay for it, to whom, and when. There’s no reason I couldn’t hand you my purchased bottle and have you pour it into a container for me.

Gee, informative response you have there, I just wanted to let you know in Indianapolis where I live, it is perfectly legal to drink in public. It’s when you start acting like a drunk that they can get your for public intox. Look it up if you don’t believe me. Also, don’t accuse others of making assumptions without being fully informed yourself!

Sec. 121.575 — Alcoholic beverages.
(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

(b) No certificate holder may serve any alcoholic beverage to any person aboard any of its aircraft who—

(1) Appears to be intoxicated;

(2) Is escorting a person or being escorted in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.221; or

(3) Has a deadly or dangerous weapon accessible to him while aboard the aircraft in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.219, 1544.221, or 1544.223.

(c) No certificate holder may allow any person to board any of its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.

(d) Each certificate holder shall, within five days after the incident, report to the Administrator the refusal of any person to comply with paragraph (a) of this section, or of any disturbance caused by a person who appears to be intoxicated aboard any of its aircraft.

Well, if you read the law verbatim above, nowhere does it imply or state that you are not allowed to bring your own alcohol onto the plane. It does state, however, that you may only DRINK an alcoholic beverage that the certificate holder of the aircraft serves to you. Therefore, according to the law above, it is inferred that you can bring your own, but must ask the FA to pour it or mix it, thereby acknowledging your consumption and allowing them to monitor your intake. They may refuse you if you show signs of intoxication.

While this law appears to be clearly stated and could be argued in court, getting arrested and having a day in court isn’t the desired outcome and it seems that many FAs and airlines are in disagreement about the interpretation of this law, which could end badly for you. The letter of the law should be more closely examined and taught in a more streamlined fashion so everyone is on the same page. Until then…

I’d say try this only if you are prepared for a battle. Is it worth the extra 5 bucks per drink? If you’re the type to challenge misinterpretation and false application of the law, then maybe. If not, buy a few drinks in the airport bar (or consume your mini bottles) and drink them before you board, enjoy the buzz, act sober, and “Ding, you’re now free to move about the country”. :)

For those of you who have access to legal research engines (Westlaw) take a look here: 1989 WL 1631937 (D.O.T.) Legal Interpretation

In short, Donald P. Byrne (Acting Assistant Chief Counsel – Regulations and Enforcement Division of the FAA) wrote about the FAA regulation in question : “The intent of the regulation is to give the certificate holder complete control over the consumption of alcohol by requiring the certificate holder to serve the alcohol. This regulation does not prohibit passengers from bringing their own alcoholic beverages on board the aircraft; however, those alcoholic beverages and any other alcoholic beverages, must be served by the certificate holder.” While this is from 1989, I have been unable to find any other more recent legal interpretation, source, or decision of law that contradicts this interpretation of the law. (If someone else, has let me know!)

It is probably NOT against FAA regulations, but against many of the own airlines’ policies because of all the liability issues mentioned in all these comments. So many of the flight attendants posting may be right that you can’t drink your own alcohol on their flights, I don’t believe its against the FAA…. If someone has found a more recent case, let me know!

Chris Freeman, I don’t work for the feds either but yet I have to obey the interstate speed limit. And I don’t work for the state but I have to follow their rules too. Your comment is a waste of internet space.

The FAA has regulations (FARs) which, as they relate to alcohol consumption on commercial airlines, SassyStew has posted here- FAR 121.575. An airline can follow this as written, as the JetBlue FA stated her carrier does. However, if a carrier decides to take it further, like Delta, and say you cannot consume your own alcohol (regardless of who would be serving), their policy is now governed by the FAA and they must adhere to it. This is why there are different answers coming from the FAs responding here.

Read above but in short: “This regulation does not prohibit passengers from bringing their own alcoholic beverages on board the aircraft; however, those alcoholic beverages and any other alcoholic beverages, must be served by the certificate holder.”

I don’t think its against the FAA regulations. It’s just against airlines’ company policies.

Its illegal. Done. Just like bringing your own booze into a bar, you can do it sneakily and risk getting thrown out, but do it on my plane (I’m a pilot with a national airline) and I’ll have you arrested once we land. Yes the FAR says ‘must be served by’ but that doesn’t mean you can hand a flight attendant a bottle and expect them to serve you from it. Its all about being able to monitor what you cheap idiots are doing on our aircraft so you don’t injure yourself or another passenger and then try and blame the airline for your stupidity. Cant go a few hours without getting drunk? Stay home. Claim its not fair that this mode of transport doesn’t stock every drink known to man? Stay home. Think it unfair that airlines are a business in it to make a profit and you can’t get your head around the fact that you are flying in a $50 million plus metal tube from A to B for less than 1/3 or what it cost 20 years ago? Stay home. Or better yet get in your car and drive, when you need your drink stop for the night so you don’t kill yourself or someone else by being a drunk driver. We airline employees have too much else to worry about than some adolesant adult who needs babying for 4 hours on their way to Cancun for a white trash vacation.

Richard Stevens – I completely get that it can be a nuisance. But where does it say its illegal? Can you point me to a court opinion? From what I found, I don’t see anything that says the law prohibits it.

FAA Sec. 121.575 — Alcoholic beverages.
(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

Donald P. Byrne (Acting Assistant Chief Counsel – Regulations and Enforcement Division of the FAA) wrote about the FAA regulation in question : “The intent of the regulation is to give the certificate holder complete control over the consumption of alcohol by requiring the certificate holder to serve the alcohol. This regulation does not prohibit passengers from bringing their own alcoholic beverages on board the aircraft; however, those alcoholic beverages and any other alcoholic beverages, must be served by the certificate holder.”

If you can point me to something that says its illegal – great!! I honestly would love to read it (I’m a law student). But just because it can be annoying, doesn’t make it illegal and I can’t find anything that says its illegal.

Richard Stevens: How dare you talk to us like that, who do you think you are? You’re a Principal Maintenance Inspector for one not a pilot like you claimed. Also I do not think the Wichita FSDO will be happy when I tell them about your comments. How dare you. If anyone wants to let Richard know what you think of what he said his work number is (316) 941-12XX. Also if you would like to let his bosses know what you think of what he had to say they can be reached at 1-800-330-68XX

I do not know the laws in the air but I will tell you, drinking is NOT a right in a bar. If I don’t like the way you are acting, I can kick you out without question as long as my decision was not based on violating any ones civil rights. If you are disruptive in my bar and the police are called, rest asssured, you have a good chance of being arrested. It stands to reason, if you get drunk and become disruptive in the air and the police are contacted, there is a great chance you are going to jail. By the way, that is regardless of who supplied the booze.

14 CFR 120.37 only applies to employees of an airline, so that has no bearing on this argument.
14CFR 121.575 makes no statement that suggests alcohol is illegal for passengers to bring onboard an aircraft, nor does it state it is illegal for them to consume their own alcohol. It clearly states the certificate holder (most likely all FA’s) must serve the alcohol.
Unless a specific airline has a policy that forbids the FA’s from serving any alcohol aside from their own (which no one has posted said policy) it is entirely possible and legal for an FA to serve someone their own alcohol.
JetBlue, for example, specifically ALLOWS it in their policy:http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll/,/?St=141,E=0000000000148395252,K=9805,Sxi=3,Case=obj(382307)

14 CFR 121.575 –
(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

As a flight attendant for an entirely international airline based outside of the U.S., I cannot speak for the FAA regulations but honestly our reasoning has absolutely nothing to do with the cost of liquor or profits. We give out “free” liquor and beer/wine on ALL of our flights (obviously it’s actually included in the price of your ticket but you get what I mean, no credit cards are swiped, no cash changes hands for drinks onboard) and I really, really don’t mind giving out as much as you want as long as you remain polite and you aren’t slurring your words. On your honeymoon and it’s a six-hour flight so you want to drink five gin and tonics?! Aces! Just don’t slur your speech or act drunk and we can make that happen! I don’t mind it, I understand that people are often celebrating something when they travel and I’m happy to help them celebrate that. Heck, I carry balloons and confetti in my cabin bag because I like making people’s flights fun!

However, there are certain flights where people will bring ENTIRE BOTTLES from duty free and open them up at their seats to pour drinks. We don’t know how much they’ve been drinking and that’s when things get dangerous. People often over-estimate how much they can drink onboard because they don’t factor in the altitude and how that will effect their consumption. What starts out as people wanting to enjoy a cocktail or two ends up a drunken nightmare of a mess. People get rude and belligerent and what starts out as tiny little tiffs with other passengers (“don’t recline your seat!”) turn into huge arguments. I once had a passenger, a soldier returning home from war, get absolutely shit-faced and threaten to kill another passenger. He literally put his arms around the other passenger’s neck while telling him exactly how he would do it. Police were called and met us on ground…it was awful. This is what we’re trying to avoid. I can almost guarantee that the flight attendants on U.S. flights are probably trying to avoid the same thing and don’t give a damn about your casual drink or two, it’s just that if they’re seasoned flight attendants they’ve seen the worst and your sneaky drinks are red flags for that sort of danger. Seeing someone drinking their own booze onboard is way more about the fear of the unknown than anything else; it’s not that we care about that one drink, it’s that we don’t know how many others you’ve had and your willingness to break the rules to get a drink scares us because of all the other horrible, dangerous drunks we’ve seen in the past and so we automatically assume the worst.

It’s hard for us to monitor passengers and know how much you’re consuming and it takes a lot of active effort on our part to stay on top of that sort of thing without the added strain of people bringing their own booze. It’s not that we’re lazy, it’s that we can have 400+ passengers on a single aircraft. I’ve been felt up, berated, you name it…and when that happens it’s because crew were being careless and didn’t tell other crew how much those passengers had been served or because those passengers had brought their own alcohol. Furthermore, even if you’re being absolutely lovely and you’ve had a few nice cocktails but you’re still fairly sober, if something goes wrong with you medically, we need to know how much you’ve been drinking to relay it to doctors assisting us on ground. I know that that seems an extreme thing to say but medical emergencies onboard do happen a lot more than you would think. In the last month, I’ve had a woman have a seizure in my arms and a man vomit himself into unconsciousness, both on 14-hour flights.

I’ll phrase it one last way for you because, well, let’s face it, not one person who isn’t a flight attendant themselves gives a damn that our jobs are ALL about safety. So, instead, I’ll put it this way. You’re in a bar….IN THE SKY! If you get too drunk at a regular bar, we get you a cab, we throw you out, you go home, end of story. If you get too drunk onboard, we’re stuck with you…in a metal tube that is propelling us at crazy speeds…through the air…above the earth! We aren’t waitresses, none of us care about getting a tip from you and NONE of us are getting ANY money for serving or not serving you alcohol; us not wanting you to BYOB has absolutely nothing to do with you cheating the system. We don’t prioritize safety to be mean, we prioritize it because we freaking have to! If you’re drunk, you’re a wild card and an extra danger that we now have to deal with. I don’t like wild cards, I want you to enjoy the flight, I want us all to be nice and relaxed, I want you to come to the galley and be nice and have your drink and talk to us and I want to make balloon animals for your kids and make up a birthday cake with confetti for your husband….I just don’t want to risk my safety or anyone else’s.

I’ve actually sat next to a guy on a flight who seemed to be slowly trying to drink himself drunk & the flight attendants eventually had to deny serving him any more alcohol. At one point in this process he was shaking so much that he spilled one of his drinks on me (he was at the window seat & I was in the aisle seat) when the flight attendant was trying to hand it to him. Definitely think it’s a bad idea to let passengers consume their own alcohol in flight, as then there would be zero controls over the process… :-0

M, this is exactly why passengers are supposed to give their bottles to the FA to serve to them. So you can monitor the amount they drink and ensure they are not being overserved. As long as people are following this, you get to know how they are, how much they’ve had to drink, and what level of intoxication they are at. What people are pissed about is the other FA’s and pilots saying it’s completely illegal to want to byob when airlines do charge a remarkable mark up for drinks. However by telling people it’s completely banned, companies encourage people to sneak it as they feel they have no better option. If you tell people it’s OK, but just has to be served by FA’s, don’t you think that would encourage people to be more open and trust the authorities (you) on the flight?

As a retired flight attendant of 32 years, I agree with everything F/A Gee wrote. Do yourself a favor and do not bring the alcohol with you. It might cause a huge problem for you and is just not worth the hassle.

This is not directed at you NIcole- this IS a fun idea :). For those posts below, you cannot pour and drink your own alcohol on most major US carriers, just as you cannot bring your own alcohol to a bar. The only reason why you can bring your own food is because that airline has given permission for you to do so. However, as some have said, if you’re discreet and polite, I doubt anyone would hassle you. Cheers!

You can get it through TSA. But you are not supposed to drink it. Anywhere. The CFR clearly states you may not consume it on a plane. The Code of Federal regulations IS the law, not just advice. The Transportation Department wouldn’t go through the hassle of proposing rules, waiting for comments, having hearing etc. just to give advice. They can do that all on their own. And you can’t consume it in the airport. Most airports will have an ordinance prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in non-licensed places (ie. bars and restaurants), just like every other municipality. Maybe your airport is different but not MSP, which has a number of ordinaces on conduct in and around the airport. (You can’t spit in the airport either.) That being said, the author is right. As in everything else, discretion and good behavior will allow you to do what you want. Don’t be obvious, don’t be obnoxious or do anything else that might draw attention to yourself. Do breath mints. And have a nice flight. Bu-Bye!

(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

Now, there are stories of asking an FA to pour the beverage you bring on board for you or you could always stealthly do it yourself but it’s important to note that although it might not widely be enforced, it is in fact illegal to do so.

BTW, I was not drunk or belligerent, it was my first drink. The flight attendant saw and made a huge ordeal about it, and the marshall got involved. Turned out ok because I was sober and polite, but it likely would have ended poorly had I behaved badly.

stupid of the air marshal to blow his/her cover for this good thing you were not a bad guy trying to hijack the flight. Getting involved with a minor issue actually could show others (people working in concert to hijack the flight). It would be a bad deal if that was to cause a distraction. Interesting that the regulation states “him” I bet this reg is from quite some time ago.

From my experience… I’ve never had a drink poured for me by a flight attendant. They only concern themselves with retrieving my card for pay or to start a tab, other than that they hand over the bottle and I pour it myself…

It was nice of her to do it promptly, rather than in a delayed fashion. Maybe it was your condescending outlook that made you the offending “spiller’s” target. Sucks to be you. Lighten up, Francis! Alcohol is on this planet for plenty of good reasons. Try it sometime.

I had someone spill red wine on me …. that she had from the stewardess. Sucked. But had nothing to do with “sneaked” alcohol. Just stupidity and inconsideration (she didn’t offer to pay for the cleaning either, even though I was wearing silk velvet).

My husband and I tried to do this once, and the flight attendant caught us and informed us that what we were doing was illegal. We apologized and claimed ignorance. She advised us to put the bottles out of sight and if there was a next time do it discreetly because the police officers seated in front of us would not be very friendly if they saw us tipping travelers into our cokes. Needless to say, now we wait until we are off the plane to consume our adult beverages.

Heath, you are 100% correct! I found out the hard way when I brought liquor on a flight and mixed my own drink. The flight attendant was VERY kind, but advised me that unless I have a liquor license, it’s a federal offense and a $25,000 fine!!!! DON’T DO IT!!!

Absolutely against regs to serve yourself alcohol on a commercial flight. Bring it this way for your destination, but not for the flight. Or put a whole big bottle in your checked bag for your destination. If you have a hard time imagining why this is illegal, ask yourself: What if everybody on board was doing this? It wouldn’t be pleasant, and it wouldn’t be safe. I’m a flight attendant and I’ve caught a few folks doing this. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but I keep a watch out for it, definitely.

I imagine people do this on buses and trains. I don’t see the problem with consumption. If someone wants to argue alcohol is flammable and poses a danger, that’s one thing (though there are legal items that carry a lot of alcohol).
Your reason suggests that the airline marks up the price for the safety of the flight. You and I know that the price is marked up 500% for the sake of $, not safety.

It’s not that it’s flammable. It’s because we need to keep tabs on alcohol consumption at 30000 feet. It’s not about the money. It’s a huge safety issue it as if it were an open bar with no bartender. Not to mention one drink is significantly intensified at a high altitude. It’s bad enough that passengers board drunk and flight attendants have no idea how much they’ve consumed.

Re: people drinking on buses and trains: Try riding a MetroNorth train into or out of New York City on an evening or weekend. You’ll spot quite a few people openly slammin’ brews. On a Friday evening, you’ll see a number of entire six-packs! IT’S AWESOME. Some trains have designated bar cars, but BYOB is widely accepted among conductors (who will encourage discretion) and passengers alike.

Re: “safety” vs. “the money:” Last time I flew (three weeks ago), I was in line to board at about 5 p.m. next to a rip-roaringly drunk man, reeking of booze, who detailed to me his entire day’s regimen thus far, which had begun with beers at 10:30 a.m. and had continued right up to the airport bar, where he had met another fellow who wanted to drink on the flight but didn’t have a credit card (no cash accepted for food/drink on this flight, just plastic), and he explained they were going to try to sit together so they could continue drinking on his credit card while the cardless guy repaid him in cash. And yes, they were served alcohol on board… at least twice, from what I caught out of the corner of my eye. Personally, I don’t care; as long as you’re not planning on operating a vehicle or heavy machinery, you know your limits and capabilities better than I. That said, if I were a bartender, I wouldn’t have served that guy! I’d’ve told him to get lost, pick up a bodega beer and do whatever he wanted in the comfort of his own home, not on my turf… But his credit card was nonetheless good enough for the attendants on that flight! Safety’s worth more than money while you’re soaring above the earth, huh? This was Southwest Airlines, if that means anything to anyone.

I love the whole “it effects you differently at high altitude” argument, as if the plane is not pressurized and complete with O2 levels, lol. Safety is not the issue, money is, they tell you that it is, just like that whole “high altitude” argument, it only becomes a safety issue AFTER consumption and then that’s only a possibility. Reality is that they make the law, telling you it’s about safety, when it’s really just the law makers and the airlines being in cahoots to move money from your pockets to theirs, one of the oldest games in the books, yet you sheeple, spend pages and pages arguing about it, with out even dissecting it. Even if it’s about liability, it’s about the money. Stupid crap like this happens daily with much larger issues, try thinking for a change, if it was really about safety and not money, there wouldn’t be a 300% mark up, logic 101.

G Money – an airplane is not a train or a bus. Alcohol effects the body differently at 35,000 feet than it does on the ground, it takes less alcohol to get you intoxicated on an airplane. As for the safety issue, if there is an emergency someone who is intoxicated is a danger to himself and everyone around him.

This is not allowed either. Yes the rule is that only alcohol served by the FA can be consumed, but handing them your own bottle is not a loophole as we cannot confirm that the contents are as labelled and are required by law to dump the contents out if opened for consumption onboard.

gee stated:
“…and are required by law to dump the contents out if opened for consumption onboard.”

@gee, i’ve noticed you’ve referred to “laws” on several of your posts, but have provided no citations. What are these laws that you’re referring to? Is this your employer’s policy? Jet Blue specifically allows serving one’s own alcohol (just MUST be served by FA). If you’re going to refer to specific laws, please note those laws so we can better inform others.
I would think common sense dictates that if the bottle is sealed, there is a very good chance that the contents would be accurate as labeled.

Heath – you rock. Everyone else is slinging their opinions and you drop facts – I will print the page you have linked from the faa.gov website and put it on my 1qt bag the next time I take a long flight – and kindly ask the flight attendant to serve me my own alcohol in compliance with the actual regulations…

Letter (a) of 14 CFR 121.575 is not a mandate for cabin crew to serve any liquor provided to them by any person, it is a restriction placed on all persons who travel aboard transport aircraft operating under the Part 121 of the Code of Federal Regulations of the United States of America. Further, your inference of asking a crew member to abide by your novice interpretation COULD be seen as a violation of another regulation altogether, 14 CFR 121.580-Interference with crew members in the performance of duties on board a commercial transport aircraft. I wouldn’t want to see an honest citizen penalized for acting unlawfully when he in fact believes he is within the law. That is all. By Dale’s comment, he clearly would not be. More information in available at faa.gov; and on various private sites formed to raise awareness to intoxicated air travel. One of the more recent groups formed is currently lobbying in fact for stronger regulation after a pregnant flight attendant was kicked multiple times in the stomach by an intoxicated passenger (who had been consuming his own supply) during the flight unnoticed. The flight attendant was attempting to prevent him from opening a cabin entry/exit door he had mistaken for a lavatory. The flight attendant miscarried as a result of her injuries shortly after the flight diverted for law enforcement involvement. Unfortunately, not everyone has the self-discipline necessary to avoid protections such as these.

Yet again, this article has nothing to do with bringing your own alcohol, only with serving yourself. If the alcohol you have been brought has been served by the certificate holder it is now legal. Interesting points though, those you point out that FAs usually just hand you the bottle and you server yourself. Could be airlines are violating the laws themselves.

We weren’t stealthy with it at all and the flight attendants didn’t say a word, but it’s certainly better to be safe than sorry. From now on, I think I’ll take the stealthy approach. If confronted, I’ll just ask the flight attendant to pour it for me. Strangely, that seems to fit into the regulation.

It sounds like the spirit of this rule is to keep people from getting too intoxicated and out of hand on a flight. I can see the importance of that for sure.

You’ll most likely get a resounding no from any flight attendant. Company policy supersedes the FAR and the FAA can govern based on that instead. Airlines make money by selling liquor onboard, so they all have a company policy to now allow outside liquor. This therefore breaks the FAR and can get both you and the flight attendant a huge fine (as well as possibly getting the flight attendant fired.) If you’re that thirsty, just buy the liquor and save yourself the potential fine. It’s cheaper in the long run.

I use to do all the time before 9/11. I would just buy the same brands as they served on the plane. No one really knew that I bought it on the plane. I would just order a soda or juice on the plane for a mixer.

The good old days. I remember being able to pop open my small charcoal grill and cook up some brats for the pilots and one time I got the whole plane to play a very erotic and confusing game of twister. Doing “tradseies” with other passengers for whole home size containers of shampoo and house cleaner. All the dog fights and cock fights that went on, and don’t get me started on heads up, 7 up and all the marijuana that was consumed on the flights (talk about high).

Man, how I miss being able to board a plane with an old-timey bowling ball style bomb. Brings a nostalgic tear to my eye.

Devin, actually this is score one for the terrorists. Their goal is to make America compromise your freedom by inspiring terror. They succeeded. The odds of being the victim of a terrorist attack in the states is less than being hit by lighting, yet you spend hundreds of millions of dollars “fighting terror” while your own government and news agencies do everything they can to spread terror. Experts around the globe have testified that the changes made post 9/11 do not do anything to prevent a bomb on a plane, they simply make your lives miserable in order to make the sheeple think the government is doing something to prevent anything like that happening again.

I have been doing this trick for years but was recently held up at security at the Orlando, FL airport because security had to check the alcohol proof on my little bottles of joy. Apparently you cannot fly with alcohol that is >100 proof. Luck for me mine were only vodka but it looks like there’ will be no Bacardi 151 while flying. I am not sure if the alcohol proof matters at all airports or if it was just Orlando, it was the first time I have ever been stopped but it could just be a new regulation. Just a word of warning!

Actually, the name proof came from the good ‘ole days when people were paid for part of their labor with Whiskey. They would pour it over gun powder and If it was 80 proof or higher, it would light on fire, thus it was proven and they had “proof” it was good liquor.

Orlando has weird (well, weirder than most) TSA agents. My husband is a pilot and is always able to bring beverages (like coffee or sodas) through security with no problem because crew isn’t restricted to the 3oz rule like us normal folk. However as we were switching flights in Orlando after our last vacation the TSA agents got mad at him for his Starbucks. He has coffee and water bottles with him all the time at other airports. Orlando is the only place we’ve had weird issues like that. However, TSA is largely a joke anyway. I got padded down one time wearing leggings and a spandex t shirt dress. I clearly wasn’t hiding anything and the TSA agent who was larger than me made a snide remark about “ew. There’s your hip bones.” Talk about completely unprofessional. Most of them don’t even know their own rules/laws.

You have to remember Orlando is a terrorist wet dream.
If they could hit Disney, SeaWorld or Universal and make Americans feel not safe there that would be a big score for them.
Everyone feels safe at Disney, if they pulled something off there (rumor Is that it was a 9-11 target) think of the effect it would have on Americans sense of safety if the place we consider the Happiest Place on Earth was attack.

Ed’s comment about Orlando and Terrorist make no sense – terrorist flying into Orlando don’t have to go through Orlando TSA and Terrorist flying out of Orlando could just stay in Orlando and head to the theme parks they want to terrorize… which of course would avoid TSA all together…

I too hada problem with TSA in Orlando. She wouldn’t let me dump my bottles and told me to chug the 4 I had. I was chaperoning a High school group and has forgotten they were in my backpack from a previous trip. Otherwise I would have drank them after bed checks. Next time I flew I put my vodka into a small container I picked up at the container store and labeled it eye makeup remover. I fly at least 16 times a year and in,y once did a FA not in uniform say something to me. Yes is is illegal

This actually falls under 49 CFR 175 Carriage of Hazardous Materials by Air. The HazMat regulations have been in place since way before 9/11 and the subsequent creation of the TSA. The Title 49 restrictions are actually less restrictive when it comes to quantity, which is how the TSA has in effect superseded this particular area of this regulation. The restriction (49 CFR 175 ONLY, not considering the more stringent TSA regs) say you can carry up to 5L of 24-70% alcohol by volume (or 48-140 proof). Anything above 70%(140 proof) if prohibited by the HazMat regulations.

80 proof alcohol will not burn in a proof test. Nor will it burn if you drop a match in it.

I have seen a demo, Booze must be 117pf to burn in a proof test. Which involves gunpowder.

Booze labeled “Navy Strength” will generally be of enough ABV to perform a successful proof test.

From the 18th century until 1 January 1980, the UK measured alcohol content in terms of “proof spirit”, which was defined as spirit with a gravity of 12/13 that of water, or 923 kg/m3, and equivalent to 57.15% ABV.[1] The term originated in the 18th century, when payments to British sailors included rations of rum. To ensure that the rum had not been watered down, it was “proved” by dousing gunpowder with it and then testing to see if the gunpowder would ignite. If it did not, then the rum contained too much water and was considered to be “under proof”. Gunpowder would not burn in rum that contained less than approximately 57.15% ABV. Therefore, rum that contained this percentage of alcohol was defined to have “100° (one hundred degrees) proof”.

Good article, but I’m just surprised that you are still taking your liquids (and in a clear plastic bag):out of your suitcase. I haven’t taken out my liquids in probably 3 years now (and I fly a lot) just leave in your bag!

Don’t try that at Terminal5 at Heathrow! One of the newest and quite possible the worst airport terminals in the entire world! If you have liquids in your bag you will be taken for a bag check / prior to the scan they specifically ask you (if you have liquids) and tell you there is a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes wait if your bag needs to be checked. I normally just empty my whole bag there, with Macbook, camera, lens, equipment and about 379 feet of cables just to avoid any potential hassle. A french lady just ahead of me, speaking about zero English was stopped and could not reach her bag and had to wait for God knows how long!

Heathrow? Yeah. Yuk. Got there on a transfer, made them aware we had the connecting flight in the same terminal, so got shuffled to the “express” line, where my SOLID deodorant got singled out for search, and as they were in NO hurry, it took them 45 minutes (after expediting through several layers of management) to finally decide (after totally unpacking my pack) that it was ok. To add insult to injury (and mockery to their system), I have a metal plate in my leg, and in their expedited way, they patted down my wife’s leg (where the plate would have been in mine)! Yeah…I’ll travel again, but not through Heathrow. Oh, the kicker? We missed our connecting flight by 2 minutes and had to wait another 6 hours for another flight. Never again.

2 weeks ago at FLL the TSA agent was requesting all passengers to take their liquids (in the bags) out of their suitcase and into the bin. He was being very pleasant about it, and nobody seemed to object. It is the rule, after all.

It makes me mad when the FA’s don’t give me the WHOLE can of soda–even if I buy booze with it. I like weak drinks, and if they want me sober they should let me “stretch that bottle”. I now demand the whole can, and have never been told No.

Wow, when we lived in Rogers, Macadoodles was our liquor store of choice for a long time… and we once lived in Fayetteville! We’re now in Minnesota, so reading your blog via a California friend’s Facebook post was really fun.

Its against FAA regulation and you will be arrested if you drink from your own minis brought on an airplane. You many bring your own to take on vacation if they meet TSA regulations. See above postings. The author of the article should have researched before posting. This is a Federal Air Regulation.

I just got back from a trip to Hawaii. We were offered one chance at drinks. I had a little half glass of ice water. The stewards literally did not come back thru the plane a single time after that, not even to pick up the empty glasses. Everybody just stuck their cups and soda cans in the seat pockets and they remained there until we landed 5.5 hours later. There was no food offered, there was no movie shown.
I seriously doubt if the airline employees would have a clue if anybody drank their own booze. This was on American.

It is not against most airlines (jetBlue included) to allow Customers to bring their own liquor. The only restriction is the Crew has to service it to you so they can monitor consumption. If you simply ask the Crew they will keep it in the galley and bring it to you when requested and return any remaining alcohol at the end of the flight.

Yes you can,and this is the point made by LD ,by all means if you have alcohol that you want to consume on board,the FAA says it has to be served by the flight attendants,all you have to do is give it to them,tell them how you want it mixed,case closed,we have to address it if we catch you because the law says so.I had people bring on a bunch of beer the other day,i was happy to put it on ice,in fact i was so happy with their honesty i comped them their drinks and gave them back their beers at the end of the flight.I myself have brought on a bottle of wine purchased in the terminal ,given it to the FA and enjoyed it.The rules just say bring it on ,the FA just has to serve it

It is illegal to consume your own alcohol on board a flight. The certificate holder ( the airline) must serve you what they sell. They also are responsible for OVERSERVING you, which is why the consumption is monitored.

Wow the ridiculousness of all these comments is staggering. It is pretty scary when flight attendants don’t even know the regulations that they are suppose to enforce and then wonder why traveller’s go a little crazy from time to time. I think if you don’t know what your talking about, you should just shut up! I am pretty sure it has been pointed out by certain FA’s that actually know the rules have indicated that you can if the FA pours if for you. WTF is everyone missing here. Go read the GD rules yourself and make an educated decision. This is as crazy as, Why did you jump of that 100ft bridge…because everyone else did?

I work for a major US carrier, and the “rules” say that the passenger is not allowed to pour his own alcohol. However, in instances of major celebrations (wedding, anniversary, etc.) where they bring a bottle of wine or champagne, if they allow us to serve it to them, then they may consume it. If you bring your own minis, just pour them when the FA’s are not around.

You are absolutely correct. I was a flight attendant with JB for five years and people can drink their own stuff as long as the FA’s serve them. Only reason for that is to monitor intake and be able to cut off when necessary.

“You may bring wine, champagne or beer on a flight for consumption during the flight if it is in an unopened container. If you’d like to drink the alcohol you carry on, you may give it to one of our Inflight crewmembers, and they will be happy to serve it to you”

F/A here. This is against FAA regulations. One reason is people getting drunk and causing problems on a flight. Can you imagine if everyone was able to do this? Each drink increases your physiological altitude by 2,000 feet. If standard cabin pressure is 8,000 feet that means as you finish your second drink it has the same effect on your body as killing a 6 pack. It’s hard enough getting sober people to turn off their electronic devices! LOL!

only if you’re drunk before boarding, or you get drunk and belligerent during the flight. nothing against the FAA regs in carrying them, or consuming one or two ‘responsibly’ during a long flight. I carry one for each one-way flight, the rest are for my stay if you have more than 4-5 in your carry on and ate worried about attracting too much attention in security, just check the rest.

Why do you hate science? If you were in an unpressurized cabin without environmental controls, you would be absolutely correct, however, I have yet to fly on an airline who does not have a pressurized cabin, it is not like one is flying in the cargo hold or biplane. The very scary thing is that you are not the first person who has said this on here, so I am concerned that there is either a flight attendant program out there where they preach misinformation, or that the US Public School is as badly failing as they say. Yes, one is affected differently by alcohol if they are drinking and acclimated to sea level and then if they went to Denver or Colorado Springs, however, that is due in small amount to the difference in pressure and most importantly the decreased atmospheric O2 concentration due to the increased altitude.

That said, because of the environmental control systems on modern airframes, your statement is at best an indication of a failed education system, or at worst, contrived misinformation meant for consumption by those who do not know any better.

Your statement is kind of ignorant, do you not notice your ears popping when the plane ascends or descends? The fact that it is pressurized to keep the environment in the plane comfortable doesn’t change the fact that you are 30,000 feet in the air, and the fact that the pressure is different then at sea level.

I think a better question is “Why do you hate science” you clearly weren’t paying much attention in your classes.

Where did you get your degree from? The FAA has conducted 3 studies on this that I am aware of, and all 3 yielded that there was no physiologic difference in alcohol metabolism between 14.7 PSI (Pressure at Sea Level) and 10.9 PSI (Pressure at 8,000ft, which is the highest pressure level a commercial cabin will experience at cruising altitude) Ignorant or not, that is what the science shows. The FAA commissioned research citations for your reference are:

Performance Effects of Alcohol Intoxication and Hangover at Ground Level and at Simulated Altitude, William E. Collins, FAA Report Number FAA-AM-79-26, October, 1979.

Some Effects of Alcohol and Simulated Altitude on Complex Performance Scores and Breathalyzer Readings, Collins et al, Report Number DOT/FAA-AM-85-5, July 1985.

Sigh, clearly you did not read what he wrote. Numerous studies, conducted by the FAA themselves, have shown that there is no difference between sea level and 8000ft, which is the pressurization that an airplane cabin experiences.

Well, it’s the interwebs and we can say anything we want on here and it instantly becomes fact…well, apparently a year later anyway. ;-)

Honestly, I’ve done this about 4 times successfully, and zero times unsuccessfully. One time the TSA guy said, “I like your liquids bag!”. Another a TSA lady said, “Nice use of your baggie limit.” And yet another, a TSA gentleman said, “This guy knows how to fly!”

It’s obvious the TSA at XNA don’t care about it. I’m sure if I got rowdy and caused an issue on the plane, it could come back and bite me, but that’s not the goal. The goal is to avoid overpriced tiny sips of booze that take forever to get a refill on.

Let say it once again. It is not illegal to carry booze on the plane. The TSA rules says you can as long you follow the rules of the liquid limits. It is Illegal to consume the booze on the plane. It will come back and bite you if you get caught drinking you own booze on the plane.

For those of you who have access to legal research engines (Westlaw) take a look here: 1989 WL 1631937 (D.O.T.) Legal Interpretation

In short, Donald P. Byrne (Acting Assistant Chief Counsel – Regulations and Enforcement Division of the FAA) wrote about the FAA regulation in question : “The intent of the regulation is to give the certificate holder complete control over the consumption of alcohol by requiring the certificate holder to serve the alcohol. This regulation does not prohibit passengers from bringing their own alcoholic beverages on board the aircraft; however, those alcoholic beverages and any other alcoholic beverages, must be served by the certificate holder.” While this is from 1989, I have been unable to find any other more recent legal interpretation, source, or decision of law that contradicts this interpretation of the law. (If someone else, has let me know!)

It is probably NOT against FAA regulations, but against many of the own airlines’ policies because of all the liability issues mentioned here. So many of the flight attendants posting may be right that you can’t drink your own alcohol on their flights, I don’t believe its against the FAA…. If someone has found a more recent case, let me know!

Hey, guys. I’m a flight attendant, too. This is definitely against FAA regulations — no, you’re not allowed to bring your own alcohol and drink it on the plane, even if we pour it for you. As awesome as this sounds, please don’t do this (even stealthily). It causes a big headache, and really, do we need MORE conflict on airplanes? Make your life and my job easier.

The TSA allowing alcohol to accompany the traveler and the FAA disallowing its consumption in-flight are two separate issues. Just because it’s in your bag doesn’t mean you’re going to drink it on the plane.
In a similar fashion, I’m allowed to travel with my computer bag, but it’s illegal for me to assault someone with it.

OK, really?? Have you checked out the price of a decent, name-brand cocktail in any bar or lounge lately? Pretty sure $7.50 is average. It’s a business. We’re buying. People are going to try to get off cheap. Happens everywhere. Airlines are not exclusive here.
(Flight attendant for 24 years)…I am responsible to the FAA regs-laws. The following in response to lots of others who think the flight crews make “too big a deal out of it”….
Just as any other employee has rules that they have to impart and uphold in their jobs, so do flight attendants. Period. Don’t shoot the messenger.)
The issue initially here was the ‘ingenious epiphany’ of using liquor bottles to go through TSA, then it morphed quickly to the legality of consumption inflight. The Law is clear on this, and as part of our job security, we have to uphold it. As with any ‘public workplace, there are those with whom we deal who understand the balance that has to be maintained in a mode of public transportation, which operates at 35,000 ft, and is carrying human souls and goods in close proximity of others. We want to get you there safely, sanely. Then WE want to get a nice drink, perhaps after work and celebrate also.

The reason that most airlines don’t allow you to bring your own alcohol is because they like to monitor how much you are having and know when it is time to cut you off.. Who needs a rude obnoxious drunk on a 5 hour flt? It is also against FAA (government) regulations. If the wrong person catches you and takes it to the full extent, the Captain, the police, the FAA etc will be notified and you will be met upon arrival by any or all of these people. If you are lucky, a HEFTY fine will be the only thing imposed. Don’t mess with government. I hope your little bottle of alcohol is worth all of the hassle. Just buy it on the plane. Is it that important???

Yes, it is important. We are being robbed by the airlines, and this is just another way they are doing it. You could just as easily consume large quantities of alcohol immediately before boarding and not have your drunkenness noticed.

Also, why the heck do I have to use my credit card? Is my cash not valid while in the air?

Flying across the country for a few hundred dollars does not equate to being ‘robbed!’ Try driving and see how much that costs you. Furthermore, paying 6-7 dollars for a drink is actually a good deal. Depending on where you live, that same drink will cost you $10 – 15….

The regulation allows the certificate holder to serve the beverage. This regulation does not require that the beverage be sold by the certificate holder, just served by the ticket holder. The Airline individually sets its own rules as to whether or not they allow B.Y.O.B. and/or permit their staff to serve outside beverages. There is no legal repercussion for a passenger breaking the airline policy unless they are intoxicated. Then they violate section (b) of the regulation 121.575

Individual airlines are allowed to set policies, but these policies have to be approved by the FAA..As a consequence said policies are then enforceable by the FAA..ergo if an airline has a policy that passengers are not allowed to consume any alcohol brought on board by that passenger this now becomes an enforceable policy/regulation.

In most states, it is absolutely against the law to bring your own liquor into a bar. And if no one stops you from doing so, the bar could lose their liquor license and employees could be fined or arrested.

jsbull- Yes it is against the law because of liability! Any establishment that serves/sells alcohol has to have a liquor license. The bartender/server/flight attendant is responsible for how much they serve someone because if you leave intoxicated, drive and get in a car accident and injure someone- that establishment can be liable for over serving you and may be fined by the courts.
If you are at a bar drinking your own alcohol, they most likely wouldn’t have you arrested but they would probably ask you to leave.

Sorry Sally, you are wrong. There is no law against bringing booze on the aircraft as long as it’s under TSA liquid rules and under 140 proof. It is against FAA regs to serve it to yourself while on the plane. Then it’s up to the airline itself to let the flight attendents serve your own drinks to you or not. Bars are controlled by the state liquor commission. Airplanes are not.

You can legally bring alcohol into any restaurant that has a legal license to sell that type of alcohol. It solely the policy of the restaurant to not allow anyone to BYOB. Restaurants have created ‘fantasy laws’ about it being illegal to not offend and lose customers. Since no one ever takes the time to find out what laws actually exist, it is a very effective means for them to increase revenues. Please site any actual law that makes it illegal to bring alcohol into a restaurant that has a legal license to sell that alcohol.

Where did you get that information? While it is true that it is against FAA regs. Most people would get a slap on the wrist unless they refused to stop after getting caught or start trouble after getting caught. Although the flight attendent has to report the incident to the airline, the airline does not have to report the incident to the FAA and if they do they have to do it within 5 days. The airline may ban you from flying on their planes.

Good idea but one caveat….tried this a month ago. Ordered me a coke, pulled out my mini bottles from my carry on and had them promptly taken away by our SWA flight attendant. She said ” you shouldn’t have let me see them” and smiled. Moral of my story, be sneaky…

I’m not a flight attendant, but yes you can. But don’t take my word on it. You can go to the TSA website and type in alcoholic beverage where it says “Can I bring my…….” and get the answer but to save you some time, I’ve copy and pasted the reponse below.

Alcohol or alcoholic beverages in amounts greater than 3.4 oz. must be transported in checked baggage.

Bottles of alcohol 3.4 ounces or less must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: containers must be 3.4 ounces or less; stored in a 1 quart/liter zip-top bag; 1 zip-top bag per person, placed in the screening bin. Larger amounts of liquids, gels, and aerosols must be placed in checked baggage.

Please note: The FAA limits quantities of alcohol permitted on board planes based on the alcohol content (proof). In general, there is no limit on the amount of alcoholic beverages containing 24% or less alcohol in checked baggage. You may take up to five liters of alcohol with an alcohol content that is between 24% and 70% per person as checked luggage if it’s packaged in a sealable bottle or flask. Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), including 95% grain alcohol and 150 proof rum are not permitted in either carry-on or checked luggage.

Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.

Yes as long as you are within the limits,then all you do is give it to the flight attendants and they will be happy to serve it to you!!Where it gets sticky is if we see you serving yourself we have to address it because it is the law,we have the safety of everyone on board to consider,we have no idea how much you have consumed prior to boarding,it is just a safety net to prevent an out of control situation

It may be lawful for a flight attendant to serve a person’s alcohol by LAW….but different carriers have policy either granting or not granting this. My company doesn’t provide for us to serve someone’s own alcohol to them. It is a “buyer be informed”, and somewhat complicated thing.

Absolutely, Yes TSA will allow it. But they are not trained on liquor laws because they are not serving alcohol. They are only trained for their job, which is what you can and cannot bring through security as a security risk. Just because they allow you to take them through security does not mean you are allowed to consume it on board. They do not know our individual airline regualations or about FAA or TC laws around consumption of liquor. If I served you your own liquor or allowed you to serve yourself on my airline, I would lose my job and face a fine. I’m not risking my job for anyone. Also, do you know what the #1 cause of unruly passengers on board an aircraft is caused by? Intoxicated passengers. It should be an enjoyable experience for all on a flight. Passengers and crew…. No-one enjoys having an intoxicated person locked in a metal tube at 30,000 feet with them. It’s really concerning hearing so many people getting upset about this and conspiring about how they will “sneak” their alcohol behind our backs. I would respect others in their place of work and understand if I was placing their job in jeopardy by asking them to do something that was against policy or the law. Please understand that we are there to provide safety first, and would love to follow that closely with kindness and respect, but that has to go both ways.

If you can’t afford a drink on the plane without having to act like a sneaky teenager then I suggest you have a coke or drive or stay home! This IS against FAR”s and it will be confiscated. Who wrote this article? Maybe some fact checking would be in store for your next article. I can’t believe how incredibly cheap and irresponsible the person who does this is. Not to mention disrespectful.

Hi Jane, I wrote the article. It’s not about having money to spend, it’s about wasting money. Further, it’s about being able to enjoy a cocktail of your choosing. If someone wants to enjoy a bourbon, they have to take their own. AA does not offer bourbon to the main cabin. In first class, they have 2 tiny bottles of Beam Black, which is not that great. BTW, Jack Daniels is not a bourbon as 99% of FA’s think. On the irresponsible comment, if someone is going to be disrespectful and cause trouble, they will do it regardless of whether they have a couple of mini-bottles with them. Airports serve alcohol. Bartenders over serve from time to time. People can go to multiple bars when one cuts them off. If someone wants to be a crazy drunk, they will. 50ml bottles are not going to start a rave on the airplane. I think a lot of people on here are being Chicken Little and claiming the sky is falling. Everyone relax and take a deep breath…then go have a drink.

Jsbull, while Mary maybe be a little extreme, I think her point is that you never mention that it is illegal to consume the booze on plane. If you had mention that fact, then it would be up to the individual to take that chance if they want to but some people may assume, if they haven’t read down this thread, that they can legally drink their own booze on the plane, which they can’t do.

Well then tough luck for you if you can’t get your drink of choice. Not all bars offer everything either. It’s not okay to do it and it’s irresponsible of you to pass on this info like it is okay. There are safety and security reasons why this isn’t allowed. And it’s illegal. Period.

Airplanes are a mode of transportation to get from point A to B and maybe C SAFELY. They are not meant to be a bar/pub/club for you to get intoxicated on! So… if someone can’t handle the airline not serving as often as you want them too or not having your full selection available or don’t like that they are charging you the same if not cheaper than any other bars/restaurants & you want to bring your own just to save a few bucks, then maybe you have bigger issues.
To say that some people are being “Chicken Little” is very easy to see when you don’t need to deal with someone who is intoxicated at 40,000ft and who doesn’t like that you have cut them off because you caught them illegally drinking their own alcohol. Or when you have someone on the galley floor unconscious because they drank too much (not realizing 1 drink in the air can equal 2or3) and you are giving them CPR. Or worse, the medical emergency is to the point where the plane is diverted and an emergency landing is necessary because someone needs serious medical attention. These scenerios are all very real and though they may not be everyday occurances, not everyone here who takes your advice is only planning on having one or two drinks to calm their nerves. Some people who read this are alcoholics and may end up being one of those who we “Chicken Little’s” need to exercise our five weeks of Bartending School on…oops Sorry that’s First Aid/Emergency Training on. So until you can put yourself in our shoes then please don’t assume we are making a big deal over nothing.

The FAA/FARS & CARS regulations are that any alcohol consumed on-board must be served by a crew member. Majority of airlines have specific liquor licenses disallowing any alcohol brought on-board by passengers to be consumed. Apparently there are a few irresponsible airlines out there that are not as concerned about liability &/or safety and who will serve you your own alcohol but it is 100% illegal to be pouring and drinking your own alcohol yourself. If you choose to do this, be aware that you can get in serious trouble.

Just to be clear, you feel a better alternative to drinking and being a passenger on a plane with a locked and inaccessible pilots compartment is drinking and driving? While I personally feel that invalidates your entire argument, I’m unsure why you feel that we would be sneaky about having our legal to carry alcohol. It’s a simple matter of either reading your particular airlines policy and or asking the flight attendant.

Very interesting article. Can you bring it through security per TSA regulations? Yes. Is it against the law to bring it on the plane? No. Is it against the law to consume it on the plane in the US. Yes. Will you get away with it? Most likely. Are you a cheap ass for doing it? Definitely. Is it worth getting arrested for? Not for me it isn’t.

I travel a lot for business and some for pleasure. I can honestly go a few hours without a drink, or I can stomach the $7.00 for an in-flight cocktail if I really need one.

I’m not sure, but I believe the airport police could possibly get you for have a open intoxicant in public if you are seen with it. That would differ from state to state depending on the states open container laws.

Your math is wrong. You are saying its cheaper to drink your own alcohol on the plane but you are obviously not adding in the several thousand dollar fine for the violation of drinking alcohol not served by a crew member.
121.575

You can take it, but there’s a very good chance they won’t let you drink it on the plane (especially if you’re obvious). Flight crews are often instructed to limit (or forbid) personal drinks because the airline doesn’t want to have to deal with the liability of hammered passengers. If they sell all the drinks (and make a profit) they also control the intake. Think that’s wrong? Try to take a bottle of Jack into a bar and just drink that. Same situation (albeit oversimplified).

This has got to be one of the dumbest articles I’ve read this year…. Really??? Why can’t you just afford to buy your alcohol on the plane? If you’re thinking you’re saving money by bringing your own alcohol…. don’t fly. Why would you even risk getting caught? over $5-7 dollars? stupid.

Because some of us HAVE to fly and don’t like paying 3x what it should cost to have an adult beverage otherwise. This is the same debate as whether or not pot should be legal while alcohol is. Because someone can profit more off of one than another.

There are plenty of places that are BYOB. Or maybe you live in Utah. I’ve been to several destinations in the last few months that would give me a high five if I showed up with a bottle of Jack and a few friends.

If they would stop finding new ways to charge me and everyone else for ridiculous things while offering horrible service then I wouldn’t ever even consider this.

Here here! I fly all the time and the seats are getting smaller, the service is horrible and the amenities these days are non existent. They raise fees due to high fuel costs but when the price of fuel goes back down… oh yeah we still have the fees. Greedy corporations are driving these people to drink and they don’t have a problem with it as long as they get their cut. As far as all the “its illegal” mouth pieces. Your a bunch of Hippocrates! I’m sure every single one of you exceeded the speed limit by at least 1 mph on your way to work this week. That’s illegal too FYI.

Like most of the comments I saw I work for an airline and they do not allow you to bring your own alcohol on board it could result in you being banned from flying on that airline again TSA doesn’t care what liquids you bring as long as they are not more then 3.4 oz

I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now. My method is to use the TSA-approved containers that are normally used for shampoo, gel, etc.; however I fill mine with my tipple of choice. Typically I travel twice a week, and in the times I’ve chosen to take booze along with me (many times), nobody has uttered a word.

Also, if you are settled on one particular drink for your flight, then once you are through security just go buy the mixer drink you want to use, empty half of it out, fill up with your booze, and bob’s your uncle… bringing a bottle of your own soda on to a flight and just requesting ice is even less suspicious.

Sean, that is because the definition is written by russians whom have vodka oozing out their pores. There is no such thing as odorless vodka. I have had 100 dollar bottles of vodka, they still have an odor. The odor is alcohol. That’s just like how vodka purists say high quality vodka has no flavour, yet it tastes like alcohol. A “high quality” vodka just means it tastes less like paint thinner and more like burning.

I think this article is fun and entertaining. However.. And this is just my opinion. But, If your trying to save that kind of money on drinking. And you need to get that f’d up on a flight. You most likely have a problem.. And shouldn’t be drinking. Because you are too broke and your an alcoholic.

lol, taking a few shots on a plane makes one an alcoholic? That is pretty silly.
Doubt really has anything to do with being broke or an alcoholic.. Just looking to save a few bucks.. 7 dollars for a drink on a already overpriced flight it pretty ridiculous. Especially when you can do this.. Sounds like everyone that is scared doesn’t want anyone else doing it..

They all interpret the rules their own way but this one wins the gold. They count alcohol as a flammable substance and I’ve seen this before. If they stop you, are you really going to argue about it? Il if you do, I assure you that you will be removed from the flight.

Also, you cannot take pictures at the security check point. They are worried that photos would be leaked to terrorists and the will be more familiar of the setup.

There is no interpretation of this. TSA rules allow you to bring alcohol on the plane as long as you stick to the 3.4 ounce rule and the alcohol is under 140 proof (70% alcohol) Go to the TSA site and you can see for youself.

Where does it say its illegal?? Someone please point me to something that says its illegal. The FAA regulation and the legal interpresetation by the Chief Counsel for Regulation of the FAA says you CAN bring alcohol on the plain and drink it, as long as it is served by the flight attendant.

FAA Sec. 121.575 — Alcoholic beverages.
(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

Donald P. Byrne (Acting Assistant Chief Counsel – Regulations and Enforcement Division of the FAA) wrote about the FAA regulation in question : “The intent of the regulation is to give the certificate holder complete control over the consumption of alcohol by requiring the certificate holder to serve the alcohol. This regulation does not prohibit passengers from bringing their own alcoholic beverages on board the aircraft; however, those alcoholic beverages and any other alcoholic beverages, must be served by the certificate holder.”

Can someoen give me any other proof saying it is in fact illegal? I’m sure its against many of the airlines policies to allow their flight attendants to serve you alcohol you brought on the plane. That just makes it against policy, but not illegal. Stop saying its ILLEGAL (in all caps) if you cannot cite to a court opinion, etc that says it is illegal.

The FAA approves & regulates all US airline rules and then requires them to enforce those rules. Flight attendants are required by the FAA to enforce both Federal Regulations & their airline’s rules. Passengers are required to comply with flight attendants instructions…not doing so is considered a violation of Federal Law. If your flight attendant (or inflight magazine) informs you that you cannot drink liquor that you brought onboard & you do, you are in violation of federal law & will pay a federal fine. A flight attendant who breaks company policy by serving you your own alcohol will also be fined by the FAA and subject to termination. It is ILLEGAL to not follow policies that are regulated by the Federal government.

Well I wasn’t going to react, but after reading all these a-hole comments I just wanted to say thank you. It’s a great idea, and I will definitely bring a bit of my favorite rum on my next intercontinental flight, rather than paying $7 per sip of some other crappy brand. Though I might mix it with coke before I get on the plane, just in case. Wouldn’t want to risk sitting next to one of you drama queens.

Keep those small empty bottles and refill them from a larger liquor bottle then they will cost considerably less than $2.50 each. Be careful, however not to put those empty or refilled containers in the passenger compartment of your car as they would be considered “open containers” and get you arrested.

I wasn’t going to comment because I would have basically ended up saying what every other flight attendant has said…but as I was reading through the comments, I noticed a lot of people saying that they didn’t want to be ripped off by the airline for having to pay $7 for each mini. While the commenters are partially correct in saying that it’s a way for the airline to make more money, it’s not the only reason it costs so much. Alcohol is highly overpriced on flights, yes, but a lot of that is to deter people from actually buying the alcohol in the first place. If it was cheap, a lot more people would buy it, and they would buy more of it, which means there would be a higher chance of more people becoming drunk and disorderly on the flight. It’s not so much the airline ripping you off as it is them enforcing a safety tactic to keep alcohol intake levels down.

Also for those saying that you can get drunk in one of the airport bars before boarding the plane, both the gate agents and the flight crew on board the aircraft can keep you from boarding the plane if they suspect that you’re intoxicated. If you want to have a couple of pre-flight drinks to calm the nerves, that’s fine, but to go so far as to get drunk in one of the bars and then try to board the plane? Good luck. Unless you’re very good at hiding how drunk you are and none of the gate agents, flight attendants, or fellow passengers can smell the alcohol on you, you’re not going to be making your flight.

Jenn, I went throug US customs to board a plan after guzzling half a mickey (fifth in the US) and there was no comment. As far as the pricing of the drinks, it’s cute that you think the airline prices them high to discourage passengers as opposed to make money. If they didn’t want passengers drinking on planes, they wouldn’t carry alcohol. The fact that you are a captive audience is why they charge so much, same as your local sports arena.

I’ve been pulling this trick for at least 5 years. I’ve done it on large commercial planes and little prop planes. Not once has anyone ever said anything to me. The flight attendant kept bringing me as much soda/mixers as I wanted. If you are a good tipper and not a cheap bastard you can get away with it.
And if you ever get any trouble, just hand over the bottles and the flight attendant will bring you one at a time at your request.
I used to bring my own 1/5 on planes pre 9/11 and the flight attendant just asked for the bottle and said she would pour me drinks when i asked for them. I was also underage when I did this. Flight attendants are not certified to serve alcohol by most states standards.

It’s unfortunate none of you get out of the US. I’ve flown multiple international carriers…and the ALL serve free beer, wine and liquor. In coach. Even Ethiopian has free booze. Where have US carriers gone so wrong?

I once traveled to Costa Rica on a Costa Rican airline though in the past I used AA. I was surprise to get a free yummy but more surprise to get free alcohol. I do not know why the US makes things so complicated.

The only problem I have with pouring my own alcohol while in flight will be what someone else said, The Drama Queens who are having a hizzy fit over someone sharing their find of saving us a few bucks.

I once saw on the Tyra Banks show an episode on how to live cheaply she admitted to holding onto soda cups from Burger Kind and taking then back to them to get free refills. Um she is a millionaire go jump down her throat for being cheap and ripping off BK.

I did this recently because I had a couple mini bottles left over from my vacay. I had no idea it was illegal so I wasn’t the slightest bit sneaky about it. I even tossed the bottles in the garbage bag when the FAs made their rounds. Now that I know it’s illegal I would approach the situation differently just in case I get one of these “stick up the butt” FAs that have been posting in here. I admit, I’m cheap. I’d certainly bring mini bottles with me next time if I want to drink on a flight but I’d likely mix it pre-flight into a coke bottle or fountain drink from a secure area in the airport. Even then I’d be sour about overpaying for the soda and I don’t care how anyone feels about that.

Sorry the ‘stick up their butt’ flight attendants don’t want to lose their jobs so you can drink cheaply. It’s illegal, simple as that, and not only do they have the right to call the police on you, they’re actually obligated to. If you can’t afford the drinks on the flight, then don’t drink. If you need a drink that badly, then maybe you have a problem.

Not sure if this is true for all airlines but at AA, if you give your liquor to the flight attendant to serve you, that is acceptable. They are responsible for controlling behavior in the cabin so from a safety aspect, they then have an idea of how much you are consuming. As a former flight attendant instructor, this was part of basic training.

I’m a flight attendant. This is illegal on all airlines. It states in the beverage section of all airline magazines that only alcohol purchased inboard and served by a flight attendant may be consumed onboard.
How can we regulate anyone’s intoxication if you are hiding it from us?
I confiscate poured mixed drinks regularly from asswipes like that.

You people are total amatuers. You have to bring the alcohol (say vodka) through security as described, then get a lime sparkling calistoga, drink some of it, then in the airport bathroom pour the vodka into the calistoga bottle. Now when you go on the plane you can slyly sip your water without being in any danger of getting arrested by buss-killing air marshalls.

I don’t think this applies at all to international flights – every originating country has their own rules. We were stopped with our “airplane bottles” of rum in our 1qt bag in the security line when coming back from Jamaica a year ago. They thankfully gave us the choice to drink them right there or throw them away. Clearly I did shots in the security line.

Yeah, all the bedwetters are typical American “don’t disobey authority” types. I live abroad and most foreign carriers let the booze flow free and freely once cruising altitude is hit. One of the best is Thai Airlines. The FA’s walk up and down the aisles with big bottles of wines filling and refilling as much as you want. No middle-aged hateful American Airlines Sky Cows wagging their fat fingers at you and counting your overpriced, super watered-down drinks. “Land of the Free” my ass…

Company policy does not supersede FARs and the FAA will not govern based on that…. The company can “govern” based on that but the FAA will not. It also says that the incident should be reported and doesn’t specify an enforcement action. So it would probably just end up as “noted.” No more than 140 proof is permitted though. So leave the everclear at home. I will say that most likely the flight attendants will just tell you to stop. I mean but who is gonna say anything? Maybe when social seating ( http://www.klm.com/travel/us_en/prepare_for_travel/on_board/Your_seat_on_board/meet_and_seat.htm ) catches on at US airlines you can arrange a whole row. lol. I have gone at it with a flight attendant on occasion about FAR which I carry in my carry on just in case.

Doesn’t the 4th Amendment protects against “unreasonable” searches? For me, to make sure there’s no bombs in passengers underwear or shoes, guns or box cutters on the plane is reason enough for me. I’ll take the scanner. If you think the pat down is any better then that’s your right. Besides, you always have the option of going Greyhound.

Sorry to rain on the happy parade, but as a flight attendant I can tell you that passengers are not allowed to drink their own alcohol on any flight. It is the responsibility of the flight attendant crew to ensure that passengers are not consuming too much alcohol which can lead to disruptive conduct or illness on a flight. Those situations can lead to having to land (not at your desired destination) to deplane disruptive or ill passengers. I think we can all agree that drunk passengers are very annoying to deal with. So yes you can get through security with the little liquor bottles, but if a flight attendant catches on to what you are doing you will be told to stop drinking your own alcohol. If you do not stop or it becomes a problem, you can bet you will be escorted off the flight by law enforcement. I encourage all fliers to buck up and refrain from drinking your own liquor for the 2-3 hour flight. It is best for everyone. Remember you aren’t the only person on the plane!

Is it against regulations to buy a coke@ the airport Mc Donalds and fill it with alcohol minis before you board the plane? In Aruba we bought Margaritas to go from the airport bar and boarded our plane and no one said anything.

you could also buy a drink at the airport, a coke sprite, oj, or ginger ale. and mix it before ur on the plane. even if u ask for ice on the flight you would only pour from a non alcoholic bottle with no trouble.

I used to fly private (now I´m retired) and boy was it great to choose your own alcohol and pour it yourself (we didn´t have flight attendants just the pilots) and just relax. I understand that many can´t afford the ticket but thats the hole point: People sneak their drinks so they wouldn´t have to pay…

I know! People think because you want a few drinks, you’re a drunk. I for one don’t drink at airport bars because they are expensive, and I don’t want to risk some tight ass saying I’m intoxicated and won’t let me board. I take my own booze in mini bottles and sneak. I remember the good old days when you could smoke! I still look at those little armrest ashtrays lovingly.

(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him. – So, if the airline attendant is willing to serve it to you, you are not in violation!

And yes, it is illegal to buy a soda and mix it before you get on the plane. If a flight attendant smells your drink, then yes. We throw it away! Get over yourselves. If you HAVE to drink on the plane be an adult and buy it for Christ sake

Well well, there go the cheapies and self entitled non frequent fliers with their cheap tickets!! Seems like I’m reading a thread composed by teenagers! Alcohol not purchased on the aircraft/plane you’re traveling on shall not be consumed. If you want to be drunk go to numerous bars in the airport before getting on the plane. As a FA I will continue to enforce the FAA and hand over the cheapies to the authorities if need be!

I see dozens of, “Don’t risk getting arrested, it’s ILLEGAL!!!” But I have yet to have someone post that they were fined or arrested. As far as I can tell, unless you become a major issue, you aren’t at risk.

Also, I’m EP, so I’m on flights almost weekly. Start carrying a decent bourbon and I won’t have the need to take my own.

I have turned in one guy cause he refused to put them away when asked and caused a huge scene on the plane. He did get arrested in the jetway by the police. BUT there has been many times where I have caught people, and just asked them to put them away. I know they kept drinking them, but they didn’t keep it out in the open. But from now on I’m just going to be that flight attendant that turns you over to the police at the airport, no more second chances. Then you can complain about how bad your flight attendant was this one time on a plane, or I’m never flying your airline again blah blah blah. Passengers wonder why flight attendants have poor attitudes, it’s because people like you. You personally ruin it for the rest of the traveling public.

If you met me on a plane, I suspect you’d think I was the nicest traveler you’d had all week. I see what flight attendants deal with and empathize with it completely. Now, if you profile people who like to enjoy a cocktail, then I believe you’re making a mistake. If you assume people know it’s against airline policy, then I also think that’s a mistake. If it puts someone at risk, then by all means, have them removed and/or arrested. If they are simply enjoying a cocktail peacefully and you ask them to hand it over and they do, I DO NOT believe it’s fair to have them arrested. A lot of people have read this blog, but it’s unrealistic to believe all passengers have read FAA and FAR regulations. I haven’t seen them in the seat-back pocket lately.

If you have a problem with the article, and the fact that it points out that people are allowed to take alcohol through security, then you should have the TSA rule changed. I’ve simply pointed out something that is allowed that few people realize. People can do with that what they wish. I suspect 99% will act responsibly because travelers aren’t all a bunch of jerks like you seem to believe.

It shocks me how some industries view their customers. The FA’s that have posted here are about 50/50 with good/bad attitudes toward customers. I suggest half of you find a new line of work. You obviously don’t enjoy yours. I look forward to meeting the other half because you’re very honest, straightforward and fair with your comments and attitude. Let’s get back to making them the “friendly skies” again.

It’s apparent that you feel that you are a responsible person who can operate outside of the regulation prudently. However I think the concern(s) of many people who are commenting are: 1) You imply in the blog post that there is nothing illegal about consuming alcohol on the plane. You mention it is legal to bring it though TSA checkpoints but mention nothing of the F.A.R. and 2) There is no way to assume that your potential blog audience will conduct themselves on an aircraft in as reasonable of a manner as yourself when they get loaded on their own supply.

By your own admission, you acknowledge that the spirit of the law is intended to protect the safety and security of airline passengers by making sure a flight professional doles out and monitors the intoxicants that are served on an aircraft. You aren’t showing yourself to be the responsible person you claim to be when you encourage this kind of behavior on an aircraft.

1. I say nothing about drinking the alcohol in the post.
2. I don’t encourage anything. I’m only stating the rules, and my experience, of getting tiny bottles through security.

I encourage everyone to be responsible, as I always am. If someone is disruptive, I’m the first to support them being removed from a flight. However, there are waaaaay too many people here that are taking it way to seriously and drawing too hard of a line on this. I travel for a living. I don’t bring alcohol with me every time. In fact, I seldom do. Usually, it’s only on fun vacations when I have a long flight and I’m not in first class. My experience on American is that 80% of the flight attendants are great, nice, fun people. As I stated earlier, I still haven’t seen a post from someone saying they had been arrested. In all cases, except those from people being belligerent, the passenger is informed that it is against the rules and asked to put it up or it’s confiscated. Both are very fair options to me. If it’s obvious I’m pouring my own alcohol, it should be taken because it’s noticeable.

Don’t celebrate it, just enjoy it. It’s not alcoholism, it’s the start of a vacation, it’s thrifty and it’s tastier than you get from the airlines.

Also the FAA prohibits airlines from boarding passengers who appear to be drunk…so don’t get plastered and expect to fly. I’ve been on more than a few flights that have had drunks removed and denied travel until they are sober.

Okay guys, here are the issues with drinking your own liquor on a plane besides the fact that’s ILLEGAL and you can get arrested for it. The reason airlines restrict the amount of alochol you drink isn’t just so you don’t become an obnoxious and belligerant drunk, there is also a safety aspect to it. If your seatmate gets piss-drunk to the point where they’re passed out and can’t evacuate themselves in a timely manner, they could now be blocking your egress to an exit, which means you might die. Yeah, that’s great that all you guys are just like “Oh, I only have a couple, I’m not the one they should be worried about”, but there are MANY others who do bring their own liquor on with the point of getting intoxicated. Ailrines are have liquor licenses just like a bar or restaurant, and many of those establishments, you are NOT allowed to bring in your own liquor. And another point…Flight attendants DO know when people are drinking their own liquor, we just can’t always prove it. We’re not idiots and spending 10-14hrs a day on a plane with people, we’re pretty good at reading them. We can also tell if someone is progressively getting drunker especially when we haven’t served them a drink the entire flight. So you may think you’re being all sneaky and shit, but you’re not. All it does is piss us off and give us more paperwork to do. So just suck it up and pay the extra money for the 1 1/2oz mini or hey! don’t drink. PS-The rules are the same in Canada and are in fact, more strict.

Oh, so the person who has had a few drinks and falls asleep is the problem but not the person who drugs themselves into a coma with Xanax because they are a nervous flier? Why stop at dumping out peoples’ drinks? Maybe we should start drug testing everyone who walks onto a plane. I have a very difficult time believing most FAs are half as hard-assed as most commenting on this thread seem to be. On the last 4 flights I have been on to/from Vegas there have been more than one person who were noticeably intoxicated but who were not causing any issue and were frankly quite pleasant. I have also personally seen more than one FA serve a passenger 6 drinks in the course of a 2 hour flight – if it’s really a matter of “limiting consumption” then they were not doing a terribly good job of it. They were more than happy to continue serving as long as the passenger was willing to continue paying – but the passengers were not causing any issues either. If someone is not causing any threat to safety or security, who cares if they have had zero drinks or ten? It’s silly that anyone is getting so worked up about people spiking their drinks with a couple of shooters mid-air. Yes, yes “but it’s the LAAAAAAW” – maybe we should have a couple fewer nanny-state laws….

VegasFlier, I get what you are saying but the line has to be drawn somewhere right? Whether someone is a happy drunk or angry drunk isn’t necessarily the issue. It’s the fact that alcohol already consumed affects the body differently up in the air and if someone who is borderline drunk (happy or not) has a few more in the air, besides the fact that they may cause disruption to others, the main concern is safety for themselves. Vomitting, becoming unconscious, etc. We can’t work on the honor system and just say, okay, everyone is allowed to drink one drink of their own on-board and then they have to pay for the rest.
In my experience, just this week I caught 4 different people drinking their own alcohol. I don’t believe they were aware of the rules so they were compliant and if they had any other alcohol with them they didn’t touch it after we talked. I have had instances where I have dumped out 3/4 of someone’s duty free bottle that they decided to open (because I am obligated by law to do so) and again because they were compliant I filed the paperwork but left it at that. And then I have had instances where someone was too drunk to fly and argued to the point where the police had to come and escort them off the plane as well as situations where police have come to meet a passenger on arrival.

I absolutely agree with you that not every FA is great at doing their job/following the rules. There are some who may not know/understand the regulations, or maybe even some who don’t care. But I think for most of us, or at least I can speak for myself, I’m not out to be the Alcohol Natzi Bitch and ruin your day/trip/vacation/whatever. I will try to make sure you have a fun/positive time on my flight. I love to drink & party when I’m not working! BUT Safety for myself, my crew members, everyone else on-board and even ‘you’ are my priority on that bird- Not getting you wasted or trying to make tips, etc. It’s an airplane, not a bar and as much as I want ‘you’ to have a good time, trying to save someone’s life just because they drank too much shouldn’t be/isn’t a necessary part of my day, & letting/helping someone get intoxicated and possibly losing my job aren’t worth the $20 tip or whatever.

Until you’ve seen first hand the dangers that can actually occur, maybe then will you understand the importance of it.

Well, I am glad you are able to take it through security, but on American and pretty much any other airline, if you take those out and proceed to consume them on the airplane they will be confiscated by the flight crew. It’s kind of like taking your own brown bag booze into a bar. They wouldn’t allow it, nor would we as flight crew. Why? Because like a bar, we have a liquor license that can be easily revoked if it is not alcohol we serve. Reason being is because we cannot control your consumption, and once alcohol hits you, you become unruly, and something happens – its our butts. Not to mention, its against the law, particularly on transatlantic flights due to customs and immigrations regulations. Save your minis for after the flight, it saves us from a lot of trouble including having to deal with a potentially drunken…you, or any other passenger for that matter. Please and thank you.

It isn’t. The law says that alcohol consumed on the plane must be served by the flight attendants. SERVED. Not sold. Obviously, there is no obligation on the airlines to serve passengers their own alcohol but the law does not prevent them from doing so. Seriously, it’s easy enough to do a search for the actual regulations.

Some commercial carriers will not allow the consumption of alcohol that is not purchased from the airline. Check the back of the airline magazine for clarification. Airlines must by Federal Air Regulation have a policy approved to allow outside alcohol. The purpose of the policy is to be able to control the amount of alcohol consumed by a passenger onboard a flight. You can be fined, removed from the flight and arrested for ignoring the policy. Ask before you consume.

JM maybe ‘policy’ wasn’t the right word used but it is a legal regulation = law (one of many, just like how many hrs a crew member can work in one day,etc) that governs what goes on in the skies. Some of these laws are the same for all modes of transportation,and some are set in place specifically for air travel. They are not made up by the company, they are required to be followed by the company but are governed by the government.

It is against Federal Law to not comply with instructions of flight attendants and their job is to instruct passengers to comply with both federal regulations AND their own company’s policies. So yes, you can be arrested for ignoring an airlines policies.

It is illegal and as flight attendants we have the right to dispose of this liquor if you are caught CONSUMING it on board. We as an airline are responsible for getting you safely to your destination and our license to serve can be taken away if we do not monitor the consumption of our guests, just like any bar. Liquor also effects the body differently at 30,000 ft. It is not a place to get shit faced and party, especially with all of the security issues this day and age. Sure, relax and have a couple drinks that you legally purchase on board, but wait til your destination to go crazy. I have seen guests turned away at customs (in mexico especially) for arriving overly intoxicated. They got to wait 6 hours in a room until the next flight home, and our airline had to cover it.

Man, I remember back in the terrible times all of twenty years ago, when the qualifications for stewardesses were being a hot babe and you are fired when you turn thirty. Free drinks were served up as much as you wanted, and you could bring your own normal sized bottles of booze and the stewies would happily serve u ice and mixers. Ffs you could even smoke! Of course, pla nes were regularly highjacked, and there were drunken riots on almost every flight. We are so much safer now. We have always been at war with Oceania.

You’ve only just now figured this out? I’ve been doing this for years. Alternate tip: you can get the empty little travel bottles at Wal-Mart for 50¢ a piece or something, and they actually hold a full three oz. Fill up as many of those as you can stuff into a ziploc and you’re well-set for your flight. For the return trip home, just fill them up again.

Ok,,,,,I am a flight attendant and if we see it on board or know your doing it…..IT’S not OK!! You can NOT bring your own and pour it! You are required to purchase the liquor on the plane….just like the bar…you can not bring your own to the bar either with out being kicked out!! IF your drunk for your next flight OR IF you smell like alcohol you may be denied boarding that flight……

God these comments make most flight attendants sound like such bitches lol! Also, I’m sorry but for how uppity most of these flight attendants sound, they sure don’t know their own regulations if they don’t realize that in fact it’s not illegal if /they/ or another one of the flight crew pour it (which many airlines in fact have in writing in their policy, especially for special occasions such as honeymoons and such). It’s no wonder flying these days is so much of a pain when their are so many uninformed people working for the airlines themselves.

Also Linds you seriously need to chill out, for someone that works in the service industry you sound like you have just an awful personality to deal with.

I’m actually a lovely person when I’m at work, but I will set people straight when they’re clearly breaking the rules or condoning it. I just had a blind audit done recently and was told I’m an excellent flight attendant, know my job well and am great with the passengers. It frustrates me to no end though when people think that the rules don’t apply to them, but I’m very good at not letting it show when I’m in uniform. Maybe the rules in Canada are slightly different from the US. You can not bring your own liquor on board to consume, regardless if the flight attendant pours it for you or not. Also, any procedure of policy that is approved my Transport Canada (FAA equivalent) and then printed in the manual, it is in fact the law according to TC. So regardless if it’s originally the company’s policy, it is regulated by TC and IS the rules/law. I have dumped many bottles of alchool down the drain and had the cops meet the aircraft on several occassions. It’s written up every single time and can potentially cause you to be put on our ‘no fly’ list. It’s not something to screw around with and we take it seriously. I’m not going to turn a blind eye because it’s MY JOB on the line, and I’m sorry, but your cheap liquor is not worth my livelihood.

Summer, majority of airlines do not allow ‘outside’ alcohol consumption on-board even if served by a crew member whether it’s for a celebration or not. Zero airlines in Canada allow it and JetBlue so far is the only carrier in the US that I have heard allows it (according to comments on here…)
Regardless of what someone’s job is, it’s always easy to say they are fun and easy going until you want something and they say No! Doesn’t matter to you why they are saying no, just that they are. Then all of a sudden that person is a bitch, uppity, rude, has a bad attitude.. all because they are doing their job as they are trained to and following the law/rules/regulations. I don’t know you or what you do for a living and you’re probably a nice person but let’s reverse roles for a moment…. Just think about when you are at work and someone is blatantly trying to break the rules. You stick to your guns and do your job correctly and that person gets angry with you insulting you and your intelligence. You may be sweet as pie but that person is thinking you’re the devil because you’re not giving them what you want.

Perhaps, some people working in our position still shouldn’t be and should be on the road to retirement sooner than later, but it isn’t fair to judge when someone is just doing their job as they should & you aren’t informed of the actual information/rules/regulations yourself.

The same is true in the US. Airline company policy (many do NOT permit flight attendants to serve passengers the liquor that they brought onboard) that is printed in the manuals is regulated/approved by the FAA and required to by law to be enforced as if it were an FAR.

PLEASE don’t do this. Coming from someone who works 40,000 ft in the air with people who drink alcohol this is NOT a good idea. If I am selling the alcohol I can monitor your consumption. If you bring your own I’m screwed. 1 drink on the ground is equivalent to 2 in the air due to the altitude. Largest contributor to air rage and unruly passengers is alcohol. The last thing I or anyone needs to deal with are people drinking their own alcohol and becoming disruptive. What a great way to start your vacation with the police meeting the flight in your destination city because of your illegal consumption and unruly behaviour.

You’re not a travel ninja, you’re a travel moron. Consuming your own liquor on a commercial aircraft is illegal. I am a flight attendant, and advising people to do this is stupid. At the very least, you can end up kicked off your flight, and at worst, arrested and fined. Any more bright ideas?

I can’t believe how many people think they need to say something that has already been said AT LEAST thirty times. Talk about beating a dead horse. Nice article by the way, I can see that you did not promote irresponsible behavior in any part of it.

I can’t believe how many people think they need to say something that has already been said AT LEAST thirty times. Talk about beating a dead horse. Nice article by the way, I can see that you did not promote irresponsible behavior in any part of it.

I suppose different airlines might be different, but @ Delta the rule is :
“Passengers may only consume alcoholic beverages provided by the
Company AND served by FAs for onboard consumption. This policy
prohibits any FA from serving liquor/wine brought on board by a
passenger for special occasions or
purchased from Duty Free.”

I like how bringing your own alcohol onto the plane is now considered being an alcoholic or a drunken fool. But yet when you buy the required alcohol from the airline it’s a-ok. Some flight attendants claim that doing this would help monitor how many drinks are given to a customer. I call bs on that one. You’re just doing your job; you don’t want to get fired; you don’t want to be that ONE attendant that allowed a customer to consume their own alcohol and it turns out he/she is a drunken fool. Understandable. But don’t go lumping everyone that wants to skirt the rules a bit as some alcoholic. That’s petty and very childish. For those against it, what makes you think that folks that do bring their own alcohol will consume the whole content? What makes you think that just because they paid a lot of money to fly then, oh well, what’s $7 for a small bottle of vodka? A lot of assumptions in this thread. So sad.

To those that get away with it I say keep it going! I see no problem with saving a bit of cash. Just be smart. To the flight attendants that are doing their job, I applaud you. Yes, you may be seething mad that some of your customers are doing this right under your nose but let it go. Maybe one of these days you will catch a culprit and be proud of your achievement – and you should be. You caught someone breaking the law. Until then, it is what it is.

Yeah you can bring your stuff, they even sell alcohol in the duty free section of international airports. That parts not really new. However yes, I would second or 100th in this case what other people have said that you CANNOT drink your own bevs on the flight. Same goes for Amtrak. They advertise that you can bring your wine back from the winery, but when we opened our drinks we almost got kicked off! Because it was our first drink, we weren’t belligerent, etc. we just had to pour out the liquor (because it couldn’t be measured) but the beer she gave back to us at the end of the trip. Really what she said makes sense that because if someone is going to purchase alcohol, they can check their id, and they can also control how much they are consuming (for the most part) however on your own they can’t. Although yes I am sure they want the extra money as well but it’s for the safety of the other customers on flight/train. I wouldn’t want somebody to slam 7 drinks next to me and my two year old on a trip and be drunk the whole trip either.

I can’t believe how many people think they need to say something that has already been said AT LEAST thirty times. Talk about beating a dead horse. Nice article by the way, I can see that you did not promote irresponsible behavior in any part of it.

This is the third post I have seen with EXACTLY the same wording re: repeating what has already been said……Great minds, or empty ones? (Melissa, 06/13/13, 106am; misseesue, 06/13/13, 1:07am; Jason, 06/13/13, 10:39am)

If you dig a little deeper you also will find out that, much like a bar it is illegal to serve yourself in an airplane. Because of the physiogical difference alcohol can play on a person at the high altitudes flight attendants are trained, much like a bar tender to keep an eye on those drinking. So if you do try this. You could find yourself in some trouble as it can be considered a searious offence.

Although you can in fact bring liquor through you can’t legally drink it on the plane. Got caught going to Cuba and the flight attendant was no impressed. In fact we got cut off from purchasing liquor from her as well as having ours bottles taken away. So if you wanna drink them maybe do it in security but don’t try the plane!!

My father always brought his own minis on the plane. He liked his martinis, so he’d bring all the fixings for his drink. He even brought them on international flights where he could get free booze. He passed away about a month before the liqui-bomber got caught, so he never experienced the liquid ban.

In the spirit of my father’s thriftiness, I pour red wine into travel size bottles and take them with me. I carry 6 to 8 oz with me. I also bring my own food on the plane. I’ve never been hassled, but I’m also discreet about it. There was one flight where I was sitting next to a FA who was commuting to her job. I was even more discreet on that flight. Though sometimes when I come prepared with food and wine, that’s when my upgrade request comes through and I don’t need it. :-)

Flying out of Vegas on a red-eye flight, I was surprised when the bar where I had gotten a glass of wine asked me if I wanted it in a to-go cup. I sat at the gate sipping my glass of wine, and finished it on the plane. I’ve never experienced that at any other airport. Though Vino Volo in SFO sells wine in cans. I bought a red and white to take home. The salesperson asked me if I wanted a chilled white. I guess some people like to drink them on the plane.

At the airport in Puerto Rico once you clear security you can go right to the duty free shops. I brought a huge bottle of absolute on plane and just asked for a virgin Mary then I made myself a bloody Mary ….Although I was discrete about it…needless to say I had a fun flight & a great way to end vacation.

wow, there is almost 300 comments on this article and a stupidly large portion of them are the same things over and over – “OMG YOU CAN’T DRINK IT ON THE PLANE ITS ILLEGAL” “YES YOU CAN THEY HAVE TO SERVE IT TO YOU” “NO YOU’RE WRONG.” and then it literally repeats. doesn’t anybody freakin scroll down for like five seconds???

Its against the law to drink those on the plane. Yes you can carry them on and flaunt about with them. But the second you open them you are breaking the law and can be forced to leave the plane. Very unlikely, however of your faggot flight attendant does not like you the. You be in a lot more trouble then you want. Been there and seen it first hand.

ok so many comments here are focused on the idea that it must be illegal to do this for public safety but what really needs to be illegal is the same thing that is illegal EVERYWHERE which is public drunkenness. And as elsewhere that is not a matter of how much alcohol one has had but if one becomes a nuisance. So yes, the police can arrest you fort public intoxication but only if you are creating a nuisance. Same thing really on a place…you will get arrested if you create a nuisance…whetther you are drunk or not, and if you are going to the bahamas and bring an under the radar vodka soda, and are a wonderfully sweet and easy customer, then it is just not going to cause a problem for anyone. If you are obnoxious, for ANY REASON you may get taken off the flight.

You are wrong Jason. Public Intoxication is NOT illegal in many states, and only illegal in some when there is a danger to others, or creates a nuisance. The rest of your point is valid though; like everywhere else, drinking is only a problem if you make it a problem.

Great article! I’ve been doing this for the past month or so as I travel twice a week. Never ran into any issues or even a joking comment from a TSA agent. You can actually get nine or maybe 10 bottles in the allowed 1 quart bag. Beats the heck out of paying seven dollars for a drink in the air. Happy travels!!!

Since we have so many respondents who love to make blanket statements without citing a source, and even flight personnel who don’t seem to discriminate between airline policy and federal aviation regulations, it might be useful if the Travel Ninja were to publish a table of policies of major airlines. Some people seem to assume that the policies of one airline have the force of law, or that the policies of one airline are going to be the same as on all other airlines. Also, it would be nice to post some policies from international carriers, although I realize this can be complicated depending upon the country of flight origination and other variables.

I agree with most of your statements, however, it’s unlikely that the flight attendants even know their own airline’s policies to that degree. Also, after hearing from many of them, I highly doubt they’d believe a copy you print out and provide them.

Therefore, the Travel Ninja kindly advises everyone to be respectful, calm and sneaky if you want to break a regulation and enjoy this trick.

My 6-8 oz on BYOB wine is less then the amount of wine I’ve been served in business class. One flight the FA just kept coming by and topping off my glass. By the time I got to New York I had quite a buzz going. My husband looked at me and asked “OMG how much did you have to drink?” Truth be told. I have no idea because they just kept topping off the glass every time they came by. That was one of my earlier experiences with traveling business. I learned from that flight. :-)

I noticed about a year later they stopped serving wine in the large water glasses, and had gone to using the small wine glasses that come on the dinner tray. It’s far easier to monitor my consumption in the small glasses. My last trans-con in BC i kept asking for water refills, and not so much wine. I glass with the warm nuts, and another glass with the meal.

It would be interesting to compile a list of what airlines’ policies are in terms of BYOB. I may have to go take a peak in the back of my latest copy of American Way.

This information is incorrect. In Canada ( if that’s where any readers may be traveling) it is illegal to consume your own alcohol on your flight. If you are caught, the alcohol will be disposed of and if there is any fuss, the police meet the aircraft. TSA liquid regulations are regulated in a different manner than an airline liquor license. Hate to be a ball buster :(

Good luck with that. After you are served a verbal warning and then your beverages are dumped down the sink and if you don’t comply a notice from the Captain then airport police meeting you at the flight.

I couldn’t tell you the last time the FA actually poured my liquor. You pay your $7 via cc, then the FA hands you the bottle, lid still in tact! So, I end up pouring my own beverage. I’m confused here? I’ve always wanted to bring my own, just never had the nerve. I was in St.Paul a few weeks ago, ordered a bloody mary from the bar close to my gate – the international flight I was on started boarding. My drink was in a plastic cup with lid so I took it “to go”. One FA asked me if that was a bloody mary, when I replied Yes – she made a joke about bringing enough for everyone and then told me the bar shouldn’t have let me take my drink outside their area. I then had to say “oh this isn’t a bloody mary, it’s just tomato juice” in order for her to allow me to keep my drink. I think the problem here is the same problem we experience with many laws – it’s “interpretation”. Everyone interprets the rules/regs differently.

Even in first class, they usually just hand us bottles. A few weeks ago I realized a bottle of Jack that was given to me by a flight attendant had been in my laptop bag for about 6 months (probably because I’m not a fan of the stuff). I probably went through TSA 30 times in that span and they never asked about it once.

My next post: Keep bottles supplied by the airline for later flights. Ha, I can already hear the FA nasty comments coming!

Get minis of vodka through security. When you’re waiting for your flight buy a bottle of water (sports cap type works best to minimize detection through odour). Drink water. Pour minis into empty bottle of water. Enjoy your flight without the FAA and flight attendant Nazis ruining your fun by protecting their own interests in selling you astronomically priced drinks.

I truly can’t believe no one commented on the fact people actually agree to walk through the full body scanner. Why would anyone give consent to be put into a microwave that takes retina scans and fingerprints and who knows what else. Wise up America, it is your right to ask to avoid that ridiculous machine that invades your privacy. Take the small gate beside the cattle entrance for the manual pat down.

This is so stupid. These comments of, I’d never think of that? Really?
Sure.. TSA could care less about what liquids are in your bag. But there is a federal law against brining and drinking your own alcohol on board a flight and is punishable by a $25,000 fine.
If you need alcohol that bad, seek help.

Great idea for taking your favorite liquor on vacation, but I agree with many on here – if you are willing to take a risk on a huge fine, just to save some money on a drink in the air, maybe you have a problem. Drink whatever the FAs offer, and have your alcohol when you arrive. Personally, I take an empty water bottle or two into the airport through security, then fill them from a water fountain and take them on with me, along with granola bars, a piece of fruit and a can of nuts. I’ve read too many stories of people stuck on the ground in a plane with no food or water offered for hours. As a diabetic, I’d be more worried about that! (A tip: don’t take yogurt on, though, they made me throw mine away, even though the lid was still sealed, wouldn’t even let me eat it.)

I agree about the sky-marshall blowing his cover. That ‘diversion’ could become act one of the plot. Flush out the one passenger who would be the big threat. On a really large aircraft if you ‘pour your own’ after the cart goes by the sight of a miniature on the tray is not that out of place and likely would be unnoticed.

I love this idea and would love to do it however as some people have stated you are not allowed to bring your own alcohol on the plane. In fact about a month ago on a flight from PHZ to DFW a gentleman tried to open up a bottle he bought in the airport and was quickly told to put it away or they will take it away, if course it was US Airways and my one and only experience with them indicates that they are seriously lacking in customer services skills…

wow. What a very useful information I did not know about this. In Australia, I think they have this regulations in using alcohol and has to undergo several trainings before you can get a permit. But anyone can avail an online training in websites like RSA Online – and here is their website http://www.rsaonlineinfo.com.au/. I apologize for posting a link but just giving an info.

One thing that pisses me off about Americans is how uptight they are about rules and laws. Most places in the world have far fewer laws and the ones they do have are used as a GUIDE for responsible behavior. It need not be so black and white all the time!
I have been carrying minis and consuming them on planes and adding them to cups at 7-11 for years. Discreet (but not weirdly sneaky) and responsible and there is never any issue. I have a lower BAC sipping a double drink while driving home from skiing than the guy who already had the double or more at the base lodge bar. And you won’t see me, relaxed and mellow, road raging or tailgating; just cruising the speed limit in the right lane. But if you want to go faster, have at it! Speed rules are the same issue. We all know many performance cars are perfectly safe at incredible speeds and perhaps a 71 VW microbus is less so. Use intelligence and judgement folks!

LOL Captain Morgan seemlessly transitions from a criticism of the law against drinking your own alcohol as a passenger on a flight, to a defense of driving in snowy mountainous areas, over the silly speed limit, while having a Jack and Coke…make that a DOUBLE Jack and Coke. Use intelligence and judgement folks! indeed…

I’ve been doing this too………most doesnt’ usually make it on the plane tho LOL Dh and I usually share a couple drinks before boarding and then one on the plane. I’d rather carry this then shampoo any day LOL

OMG, reading the article AND the replies IS entertaining!
Thanks to each and every one of you for brightening my evening. I’m going to minimize this screen, and in the future bring it back up when I’m bored.
Also, I don’t really have a firm opinion about the subject, but hey, if you want to bring booze on board, go for it. If you think it’s illegal, then don’t. jmo
Don’t we all go over the speed limit by 1mph? (hahhah), AND some approve of the ‘illegals’ in this country? ;)

Loved the article and the comments!! The one faulty idea that keeps coming up is that if you bring your own booze on a plane and sneak drinks, you’re an alcoholic. If you buy drinks from the airline, you’re not an alcoholic.

REALLY!?!?!? What a dumb idea. There’s millions of raging alcoholics wasting money to get drunk when they fly. Saving money has nothing to do with being an alcoholic.

The tip is good, but nothing new. Dr. Otto Weizman suggests this in his free book about what thigs to take onboard a light, available at SimplifyLifeNow.com

I always take 2 mini bottles in the event of turbulence when the flight attendants cannot serve you, at which point you can usually drink it discretely from the bottle without anybody noticing. I find a small bottle of brandy calms me down.

Don’t return with an empty glass bottle in your carryon. It can show up in the airport scanner. A sealed bottle might be easier with a picky security official.

I just wish that airlines sold better brands — for sure I have better bourbon than airlines are selling. And what airline sells vermouth? I’d love to have a cocktail on board that isn’t a highball. For instance, if I wanted a Martini or a Manhattan, I’d be happy to buy a mini of good whiskey or gin from the airline, but add my own vermouth and bitters that I bring on because the airline doesn’t sell ’em.

I’ve even made a Tom Collins on a Virgin America flight — asked the flight attendant for a lemon wedge, a packet of sugar from the coffee service, a can of seltzer, and a glass with ice. Another glass inserted into it made a pretty serviceable cocktail shaker, and the flight attendant says I wasn’t breaking any rules because I bought the gin from her.

I buy travel size Listerine bottles. They are 3.3oz (100 ml) exactly, and because they’re used to high alcohol concentrations, won’t leach out nasty stuff into my precious 100ml of social skills.
I then fill it with the spirit of my choice. At first I would choose spirits that would be the same colour, or add food colouring. After having no issue, I fill it with whatever I would like. I lived on an island for many years, and I hate flying. This helps.

Saying the price of drinks is to limit consumption is pure bullshit. In some premium cabins they start offering you complimentary drinks as soon as you board. Some carriers offer free drinks in all cabins, only the quality differs. So it is about money. If over serving is such a problem, then why serve at all?
I read the FAA regulations referenced here and they say “served”, not “sold”, so it seems that some carriers have misinterpreted this to enforce their monopoly and use brainwashed FAs to be their pushers. I will give a seven dollar tip for a comp drink long before I pull out a credit card every time I want a drink.

I had no idea about the fact that it was illegal to bring booze on board. I learned this yesterday. I had purchased a sandwich and a small bottle of wine at one of the food concessions beyond the gate at PHX. I ate the sandwich while waiting to board but didn’t drink the wine. Once aboard the plane, when beverages were being served, I remembered I had the small bottle of wine and poured it into a cup and drank it. When the attendants were going through the cabin to collect trash I put it in the trash bag. The friendly attendant asked if I had purchased the wine on board. I replied that I had not. He leaned down and said that it was illegal to do so and that I should be careful since some attendants will not give a warning. I apologized and will remember this. Thanks to the attendant for the warning. Most of us have no idea of this law.

You should really not advise your readers to engage in illegal activity. Per FAA regulations it is illegal for a guest on-board an aircraft to consume liquor that has not been provided by the flight crew.

If we see it, we have every right to tell you stop drinking it, make you throw it away or take it away completely.

If a guest continues to consume liquor that the flight crew did not provide they can explain to the FBI why they thought breaking the law was okay.

Just a heads up that while TSA allows these thru security, you’re still not allowed to consume your own alcohol on any given airline. They will be taken by the crew upon the realization that you’re mixing your own cocktails.
Been there, done that.

This is actually illegal. The operator has to have control of all alcoholic beverages on Part 135 and 121. Not to mention Bacardi 151 and everclear are under hazmat (will not carry). The TSA no fly list isn’t a list you want to be on.

This is a tricky subject. I watched someone so this exact thing on my southwest flight from OKC to Denver. Everything went through security just fine. Once in the air the gentleman took the drinks out and preceded to pour them in the empty cup he requested. Within minutes the the flight attended was demanding he put them away, that is was highly illegal to bring your own liquor on an airline. Needless to say he was made to put his liquor up and purchase trough the airline…

I’ve always wonder this. What makes something “highly” illegal? Are there some acts that are more illegal than the other? One would think an is either just illegal or legal. What makes something more illegal than another thing?

If its illegal to consume “our” alcohol on the plane then why not actually purchase one from the flight attendant. Then when you are done, just swap the bottle with one of yours that you brought on the plane. If its the same bottle then how will they know you switched them out?

Yes, but drinking your own alcohol onboard an airline is in violation of Federal Law. Check it out. And then, if you don’t care if you’re prosecuted, hope you get a lazy flight attendant who won’t care. But then, do you really want a flight attendant who takes the same approach to your safety…? Hmmmm

I’m a Flight Attendant, and yes its true, it’s against the law to bring your alcohol and serve your self. It’s been noted several times already in the comments above. I caught a middle age couple doing this and talked to them immediately. It was totally innocent on their part, but they complied and did not drink any more of them. A lot of times I will have the quick conversation with them, then go get the warning notice then just leave them alone. Just so they know we’re very serious.
It’s understandable, everyone wants to save money, Yes the airlines charge an outrageous amount for anything you buy onboard, but look at it from our point of view. We haven’t served you any alcohol and have not seen you consume any. Your behavior was normal when you boarded, then during the flight you are becoming intoxicated. A problem that can be averted if we are able to ‘cut you off’, but if we’re not serving you, it’s a problem we cant stop. Drunks on an airplane are a pain in the ass, and can be dangerous. To them selves and others. Ever hear of stories of a passenger that was trying to deplane during the flight? Passengers that tried to open a door during the flight?

The rule has been applied differently in the past, When I first started, a passenger could bring their own, but it had to be left with the crew and poured by them, then you get the left over back at the end of the flight. It might have just been my airline, or interpretation of the rule.

Are you people stupid? So what if it is illegal to consume your own liquor on a plane and you are an idiot if you wait until you are seated on the plane to do it. NEWSFLASH you can buy a soda or 4 at the news stand for a few bucs, go to the restroom or hell even the dining area, mix your drinks, bring them on the plane. Bing Bang Boom, you have got your reasonably priced liquor and the flight attendant has no chance to see you pour it. All of you who are dumb enough to wait until you are on the flight to mix either A) are dumb as hell or B) have never been to a sporting event or concert with a flask

So many flight attendants commenting with the “rent-a-cop” approach to power trips. You guys are speaking as if you absolutely hate every traveler you deal with and are some sort of expert detectives for knowing someone is drinking. As the author said, half or more of you clearly do not see your customers in the highest light (perhaps this is why there are so many ridiculously rude FA’s and airport counter workers out there who really seem like they get off on not helping you) and should really find another line of work. Just as you can tell when someone is drinking, the customer can tell when their business is not appreciated. They will take it elsewhere, perhaps even file a complaint, lose your airline money and in turn lose you your job. Because really, just like the inflated liquor prices, it is all about the dollar bill. Lighten up, you are not the most important professional in the world and 99% of us are not biligerent alcholics attempting to argue with you…Just trying to travel, make the flight a bit smoother (especially for those like me who are terrified of heights and a little whiskey eases that) and not have to pay 14$ for a mixed drink…that is a full hours work for many people. I am sorry but if I am already paying inflated ticket fees, inflated dining fees at the airport restaurants, extra fees for a bag (who charges for a bag?!), I am definitely going to try to save money where I can. Get over yourselves, lighten up and take a swig, you guys seem to need it more than anyone…

I always bring a few with me, order a sprite or ginger ale with ice, drink the soda, pour the liquid in after they serve you. I have never had an issue, only 2 drinks will be enough. Bring 3 incase your seatmate wants a drink, makes for a much nicer flight! More than that will cause an issue, the attendants don’t care, they have enough to worry about and they don’t get paid to serve you, just to protect you during the flight. The beverages are to keep you quiet!

You may be able to get it thru security
But the FAA has rules you cannot do this and if caught comes with a large fine and possible jail time. Over all
Not a good plan if you wish to make it to your destination.

So, we have the following:
-flight attendants letting everyone know it is illegal to drink booze
-people defending the issue, saying you can bring it onboard and if the flight attendants serve it to you it’s fine
-flight attendants rejecting that notion
-people shaming flight attendants for being party poopers

Different airlines have different operating procedures, but general consensus is that bringing your own booze on an airplane is legal, but drinking it is not. What I guess I don’t understand is 1) the absolute NEED to drink on a flight and 2) this shaming of flight attendants for wanting to do their job in a safe environment.

You are thousands of feet in the air, and most airlines monitor your drinking. On longer domestic flights, patrons will be cut off in order to maintain a safe environment ON A METAL TUBE IN THE SKY. Imagine you are at a small bar, and one man has had too much. He is causing a scene, and begins acting aggressive and belligerent. It’s not a fun place to be, is it?

Imagine that thousands of feet in the air, in a pressurized cabin.

My opinion? You aren’t giving flight attendants the respect they deserve. They are just trying to get you to your destination safely and without hassle. I’m really sorry you are missing out on a quality buzz because you don’t want to pay up the wazoo for an in-flight cocktail provided by an airline, but sneaking drinks to “save money” sounds more indicative of a larger problem.

If you NEED to drink, drink at home and cab to the airport. Drink at one of MANY airport bars.
Sneaking drinks just feels like we’re all 16 again.

Also, Travel Ninja, in response to someone else I saw you post this:

“Please re-read the post.

1. I say nothing about DRINKING THE ALCOHOL in the post.”

…true…except the article is called “Take Alcohol TO DRINK ON YOUR FLIGHT.”

the Refill idea is smart but shouldn’t work. I belive these liquor bottles must be sealed. any one can put whatever they want. Im surprise they didnt check that your bottles were in fact liquor and not explosives.

Simple Solution to your own booze on a plane… bring the herefortomentioned quart bag’o’one-ounce’boozies… buy a togo drink at the airport McD’s… pour said booze into drink (on ground in the airport), walk on plane. Find your seat and get your drink on!

Where are you flying from that a ticket to Vegas is $138.50? I haven’t flown to Vegas for less than $350 in 6 years! And Seven airplane bottles of Jack at the average cost of $7 a drink is $49. and I don’t know about you, but 7 mini bottles of Jack would be enough to just lull me right to sleep making for probably the easiest passenger on the whole damn flight, wouldn’t that be a flight attendant’s dream?

Why in the world would ANYONE pull out the bottle in front of a flight attendant? Theres plenty of time during ANY flight to discretely pour it into the coke you ordered from them when they arent around. Thats just plain stupid. I mean the thing fits in your palm. if done right the person next to you wouldnt even notice. Not like the flight attendant is stationed next to you. If youve gotten caught….its your own stupidity. Plain and simple,

You are correct that you are allowed to bring these liquids through security and onto the aircraft, HOWEVER, consumption onboard is a completely different story and something the baggage screener may know nothing about as that is not part of his job requirement. It is ILLEGAL to consume any alcohol onboard an aircraft that has not been served to you by the crew (ie. you’re own alcohol). Contrary to the belief of those ignorant ones saying it’s because the airlines won’t make money- This is a Canadian Aviation Regulation as well as FAA (USA) rule set in place, and many international countries have similar laws set in place. This also includes duty free liquor. You are allowed to carry it on board but at no time are you permitted to open &/or consume it!

The liquor laws work like restaurants in the sense that you can’t just bring your bottle of scotch or vodka to dinner and start doing shots! The Main reason is safety! Crew members are unable to monitor how much one has had or tell if a person is intoxicated if they have had several drinks at the airport and then whatever they brought on board. If you are intoxicated when boarding a flight, air crew has the right and are bound by law to refuse transporting you for the safety of everyone else on the flight. Not to mention that the change in altitude alters how alcohol affects your body. 1 drink = 2 or 3 drinks. It is not uncommon that someone will suddenly become sick and need medical attention, sometimes to the extent of having to divert a plane. You are also taking a mode of transportation. The aircraft isn’t a pub or nightclub. The purpose is for you to get from point A to point B SAFELY. Whether you are on vacation or not, the air crew isn’t there to get you wasted. Five weeks of training wasn’t to learn how to Bartend.

If you are going to risk drinking your own alcohol onboard just to save a few bucks, be fully aware that if you are caught: a)the crew Will confiscate the bottle(s) and if opened, they will be dumped down the drain at your own expense (even if it’s a $200 anniversary bottle) and you also risk the chance of being escorted by the police when you arrive. Don’t ruin your family vacation by going to Mexican prison on arrival just cause you didn’t want to spend $20 on the flight!

yes, this post is correct. you CAN do this. However, you either have to drink what you bring before you get on the flight, save it until after the flight, or drink it on the flight (secretly) and hope not to get caught. I do this often, but advise doing it the first way. I normally stuff to mini bottles in my Quart bag and then by an OJ. Takes the edge off and completely legal, so long as you consume it in the terminal

As a crew member, I have confiscated many of those. That’s the rule, Only drinks that are served by the crew can be consumed. We return them at the end of the flight but, if you are making a connection, we do inform the next crew as well. You might be able to pass through security but on the plane, is a different story.

What the writer of this article does not tell you is that while you may carry the alcohol on to the aircraft you can’t drink it on board. Federal aviation regulations, as well as internal airlines’ policies and procedures state that passengers are only to consume alcohol sold and dispensed by airline personnel. It’s the only way to keep some people from becoming completely intoxicated, representing a potential security or medical problem on a flight.

This is a huge liability issue for the carriers. As crew, we are only allowed to pour the beverages WE have on board. If I pour you your home made moonshine and you pass out on me, causing a medical emergency and a possible diversion to the nearest airport so you can get your stomach pumped, guess who’ll be the first person fired over it? ME. Not to mention you’ll probably have the nerve to sue the carrier and me for having poured it. I don’t care if they are exactly the same thing I sell on board. I don’t know where what you brought on board has been or if it’s even what you claim it is inside the bottle. So the answer is NO! You can transport your alcohol within the FAA guidelines, but you may NOT consume it on board the aircraft. If I catch you, you’ll be in trouble. I don’t need to deal with intoxicated individuals on board. I have no access to bouncers at 35,000 feet.

I don’t see any penalties listed in FAR 121.575. It appears to be a regulation that is imposed on airlines, not on passengers. Perhaps you can be arrested, but it doesn’t appear you can be charged with anything.

Sorry to disappoint you, but under the contract of carriage an airline has the right to bar passengers from drinking customer provided alcohol, regardless of quantity allowed through TSA. Not to say people don’t do it..wink wink…but it’s a FAA no no.

Correct, but the very last part of the article, under the quick tips section, notes that a bottle on the flight cost $7 in comparison to the $2.50 liquor store price. It also notes in the “quick tips” that the plane does not offer the same variety a liquor store does, and since nobody is looking to buy a mini-bottle on the plane to eventually take off the plane, and consume at legal location on the ground, the article does a pretty good job of implying that the full cycle of bringing the alcohol through security AND drinking it on the plane are both legal activities.

I have been doing this for years. I have been told once that it was against federal regulations to drink your own booze on an airplane, I kindly replied that it should be against federal regulations to charge as much as they do for booze on an airplane.

Flight attendant here. It is indeed illegal to drink your own alcohol on an airplane. It may be legal to drink your own in the airport before boarding; not sure.

Keep in mind that it is also forbidden to fly while intoxicated. This might be a tricky one to understand if you aren’t a flight attendant; however, if you spend two hours trying to control a beligerant drunk in the air, it will make perfect sense to you. Unfortunately we don’t have bouncers in the sky, and when someone is out if hand it is 100% OUR problem. So just be careful not to become “visibly intoxicated.” :)

I have been doing this for years but I buy the 3oz bottles and fill them from my liquor stash at home…..only thing to be cautious about, don’t let the flight attendants see you pour these into your mixer!!! Even in first class I was scolded for pouring Chambord into my champagne!!

This would be great advice if it weren’t illegal to consume your own alcohol on planes. I used to do this often until I was informed by both a flight attendant and an FAA Representative that it was a significant fine and could result in criminal charges. If you do this, don’t throw the bottles away with the flight attendants, use only brands that are carried on the plane and don’t let the Flight Attendants see you consuming it.

Okay, so it sounds like the consensus here is that the law is you can’t drink your own alcohol on a flight, but how about letting the f/a serve it to your and therefore monitor your intake as they would if you bought the stuff? Someone suggested this (allegedly and F/A) so I wonder how an f/a would handle is request.

To me, it seems the issue here is respect. Can you get away with it? Sure. But when you’re confined to a small space for hours on end the last thing you want is your fellow passengers to think that somehow the rules don’t apply to them.

A FA did you “get you schnokered” you got yourself drunk. The allowed you to purchase the alcohol and they were indeed watching you. Again, you have the few who don’t enforce the law, they are the ones who will suffer in the long run

Isn’t it sad that we have to live in fear of such a ridiculous thing? Afraid of being caught for over 500 ml of liquid, or how much you can actually fit in a plastic qt bag? It’s a shame that we all let stuff like this go on. Government shut downs, NSA spying, TSA Inspections. The land of the free has been forgotten, and replaced with the land of a shuffling heard excited about a freedom that hasn’t been taken away.

I serve alcoholic beverages in retail stores. I am also TIPS certified.

Part of the job of even a restaurant hostess is to not allow intoxicated people in. Even if we serve you a simple WATER, well….we have technically served you, according to DRAM shop laws. So when you hit a bus full of nuns later, even though we served you water, we are just as liable as the bar you got trashed at.

I card EVERYONE. I don’t care if you look like you were 100 years old when the Titanic sank, I don’t care if I personally know you, I don’t care if you are my own relative – NO ID, no service.

If you take your own booze on a plane….again, they are licensed to serve FROM the beverages they have purchased, and that only. If you really need a drink from that bottle, I suggest you take it to the bathroom and gulp it while you take a whiz.

As a FA, yes, you can bring it through security, no you cannot drink it on the plane. What Gee said is 100% true. You have the minority of FA’s who are too lazy to “enforce” the law, but they are the ones who get fired and fined.
I have a friend who did get fined for even allowing a intoxicated passenger on the flight. She almost lost her job and was sued by the family of this person.
Not worth it. And for you passengers, please don’t do it. Don’t put our jobs in jeopardy by thinking you are allowed to do this. I don’t come to your place of business and put your jobs on the line.

You can bring it on board but you can’t consume it. It’s actually ILLEGAL to consume alcoholic beverages brought on board by passengers. The only alcoholic beverages that can be consumed on board is the booze served by the flight crew. For example, passengers can’t pop open a bottle of vodka they bought on duty free in the aircraft. It’s the law.

Drink in moderation and just order the chaser and mix it when they walk away and hide the evidence. What they don’t know won’t hurt them. If you are careless and get drunk, it’s your own fault. They serve liquor in airport bars where most people get drunk before boarding.. just tell them you had a lot to drink before getting on the plane. This law is as silly as not being able to bring your own food into a movie theater.
We can serve you alcohol, but don’t consume your own? If you need help regulating your booze, you probably shouldn’t be drinking anyway.
I guess it’ll end up being a few careless drunks that ruin it for everyone else, most likely there will be some incident that will have this enforced soon enough.
They should state on the liquor menu not to consume your own as a disclaimer, or else how are people supposed to know?
Anyway, I have a couple more trips this year. I always drink on planes, I am an adult and know how much to consume.
Thanks for looking out. I think my friend Mr. Daniels wanted to go, I’ll make room for him.
I have never ever been cut off of alcohol on planes, and believe me I’ve gotten drunk on flights many times.
ps I think it’s cute all of these role model citizens are saying how “it’s the law.” As if “the law” ever gave 2 thoughts about you. Our rights are constantly being stripped from us and you guys care about drinking your own alcohol vs theirs.

No idea what kind of discussion that is… I bought plenty of hard liquor at duty free shops after the security control in the past (especially on trips to scandinavia) and could have easily drink it on the plane without anyone even take notice… I just don´t really feel like getting piss drunk on a plane…. :)

I recently flew the boxcar with wings, Alitalia. The flight was so rough with turbulence that people were breaking into their duty free bottles (like the Havana Club rum) and making all sorts of cocktails. I admit that the Italian Blood Orange juice they served on the plane and Havana Club Anejo 7 Anos makes a darned good cocktail.

You all sound like a bunch of bloody alcoholics! If you “have” to drink…pay the price. If you’re a cheapskate who complains about markups, then don’t, and don’t take your kids to theme parks or buy popcorn at movie theaters. Jesus! lol

I can’t believe how much of this convo I just read. All flight attendants please stay off this message, we don’t care. This is about being a travel ninja. And ninjas don’t get caught sneaking there own drinks. It’s just nice to know you won’t get it confiscated through security.

Yes, but it’s best to be a ninja in a country that isn’t a totalitarian state. Flight crews have been deputized to do anything and everything they want to you under the phony guise of “preventing terrorism”. Like anyone given so much power, they are prone to abuse it. Stick to flying in Asia where 103 lb, cute, smiling FAs don’t have to enforce draconian regulations, nor would they get pleasure out of doing so.

Fly Korean Air. Free alcohol. No bitchy FA. They’re actually nice to look at. Last, but not least, their service, as a member of the service industry, is actually top-notch. (Who would have thought, huh?)

Good luck with that. I was threatened on a flight merely for complaining about our late departure. And that was as a first class passenger with top tier elite status, who is supposed to be treated with less suspicion by the airline then a random passenger.

The FAA requires a flight attendant to serve you any alcohol, either your own or that you bring on board. No airline I know of will serve you your own alcohol.

Actually, you have to be really careful about this. I know from experience. It’s actually illegal for passengers to self-serve on airplanes. I almost got kicked off a plane once for doing this; if we hadn’t already taken off I’m sure we would have. As it was, they confiscated the alcohol. It could really get you in trouble – yes you can get it through security, but it’s actually illegal to drink it on the plane.

What was written above is partially true……they left off the part about passengers not being able to open those little bottles once they board the aircraft. You wouldn’t want the police waiting for you at your destination, would you?

Well, if you read the FAA laws posted verbatim above, nowhere does it imply or state that you are not allowed to bring your own alcohol onto the plane. It does state, however, that you may only DRINK an alcoholic beverage that the certificate holder of the aircraft serves to you. Therefore, according to the law above, it is inferred that you can bring your own, but must ask the FA to pour it or mix it, thereby acknowledging your consumption and allowing them to monitor your intake. They may refuse you if you show signs of intoxication.

While this law appears to be clearly stated and could be argued in court, getting arrested and having a day in court isn’t the desired outcome and it seems that many FAs and airlines are in disagreement about the interpretation of this law, which could end badly for you. The letter of the law should be more closely examined and taught in a more streamlined fashion so everyone is on the same page. Until then…

I’d say try this only if you are prepared for a battle. Is it worth the extra 5 bucks per drink? If you’re the type to challenge misinterpretation and false application of the law, then maybe. If not, buy a few drinks in the airport bar (or consume your mini bottles) and drink them before you board, enjoy the buzz, act sober, and “Ding, you’re now free to move about the country”. :)

I bring my own shooters on flights all the time and never questioned that it would be controversial. I’m deathly afraid of flying but have to do it all the time for work. I’ve tried serious doses of xanax but it rarely works for me. Instead I always get a drink at the airport bar right before boarding (so it will hopefully hit before take-off but not wear off), then have another once we’re in air and moving (it usually takes flight attendants too long to get the beverage carts over…if I waited on them you’d likely have me hyperventilating and yelping loudly at every bit of turbulence…much more disruptive).

Plus, sometimes its just really embarrassing to have to order a drink at 8am or whenever my flight is. It’s never even occurred to me that this would be illegal. Plenty of flight attendants have seen. I’ve gotten a weird look before but have just told them that I’m scared of flying and no one has ever said anything.

I’m not too cheap to buy my drink, but they Never have my drink of choice, which is Pinot Grigio. Therefore, I never get to enjoy a cocktail on domestic or international flights. I would be thrilled to be able to hand over two tiny bottles of my wine to be served on a long flight!
It’s also hard to find Hot Chocolate!
So, that’s my 2 cents worth on the subject…😊

Whatever happened to going a few hours without a drink? Can y’all not wait til you get home/to your destination? I can’t imagine anything much worse than being drunk on a plane. Having lived in the UK for a number of years, I’ve done my fair share of jet setting across the Atlantic. I never understood the appeal of booze on board. Drunks (no matter how pleasant) make for an uncomfortable flying atmosphere. Passengers pay way too much to put up with that crap.

I literally bought four little air plane shooters for me trip to Chicago today and have been notified by the attendant that I am prohibited from consuming my own alcohol under FAA policy. On the plane now and I bought 30 mins of Wifii just so I could re read this article and do some quick research and despite my disbelief, the attendant was in fact correct. Though this article never mentioned anything about consuming alcohol on the plane on his trip to Vegas, it sure appeals to the reader as the main point of this article. That being said, this was a tremendous let down. Thanks for nothing.

LOL! This, and all the comments are hilarious! I agree with Mimi. Sure, I like a drink on occasion. But she is right. For heavens sake, wait a couple of hours or pay for a drink if you can’t go without one. You paid a couple of hundred bucks for a ticket but you quibble over a $7 drink? Besides, how enjoyable is a drink when you are being bounced around or jostled in close quarters in anything other than first class. Oh, and if you can’t go for 2 or 3 hours without a drink, when you land contact AA.. Good grief.

You have discovered an interesting loophole with TSA… However, as a Flight Attendant, OUR REGULATIONS will not permit you to drink them on the plane!! You may not drink any alcoholic beverage that we did not serve you!

As a flight attendant, I can tell you that even though you are permitted to bring the alcohol through TSA, you are NOT permitted to drink your own alcohol onboard the aircraft. If you do, you are breaking the law. As we all know, breaking the law onboard an aircraft can result in serious consequences.

“You may bring wine, champagne or beer on a flight for consumption during the flight if it is in an unopened container. If you’d like to drink the alcohol you carry on, you may give it to one of our Inflight crewmembers, and they will be happy to serve it to you.”

PRO-TIP: bring in your booze of choice, for example (Gin for Gin & Tonics) – then ORDER one gin and tonic with an extra bottle of tonic water. Then refill your gin & tonic from your own stash of gin and their tonic. As long as you’re not doing it in front of a flight attendant it’s a pretty much works, because it looks like you’re just nursing your drink. As for the people that say it’s illegal to drink your own booze on a plane, that’s true – however – F You Airlines, because you don’t shit on everyone enough already. Have you flown lately? Booze is pretty much required.

Flights around Europe you can take a normal sized unopened bottle alcohol (in my case Jack Daniels) and then should you wish, drink it on the plane. That includes international flights that I have taken to South Africa, Japan & Canada.

IT only becomes a problem when you disrupt other passengers. Infact, on my first international flight I bought alcohol under the legal age limit as my parents were present. 2004, so post 9/11.

Federal Aviation Regulation Part 121.575-Alcohlic Beverages:
“(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.
(b) No certificate holder may serve any alcoholic beverage to any person aboard any of its aircraft who—
(1) Appears to be intoxicated;
(2) Is escorting a person or being escorted in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.221; or
(3) Has a deadly or dangerous weapon accessible to him while aboard the aircraft in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.219, 1544.221, or 1544.223.
(c) No certificate holder may allow any person to board any of its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.
(d) Each certificate holder shall, within five days after the incident, report to the Administrator the refusal of any person to comply with paragraph (a) of this section, or of any disturbance caused by a person who appears to be intoxicated aboard any of its aircraft.
[Doc. No. 6258, 29 FR 19219, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 121–118, 40 FR 17552, Apr. 21, 1975; Amdt. 121–178, 47 FR 13316, Mar. 29, 1982; Amdt. 121–275, 67 FR 31932, May 10, 2002]”

Short answer, violation it is considered a criminal act (interfering with the flight crew) as well as open to civil action (penalties as in forfeiture of future flight privileges and fines that can be quite considerable depending on the circumstances of the act). Federal Aviation Regulations take on the weight of law once a certificate holder has been issued a certificate to operate by the FAA.

Keep in mind that the airlines’ operating certificate is at risk should a flight attendant witness the dispensing of non-aircraft alcohol. They will take it seriously and if caught a second time may invoke the above by alerting the flight deck Captain. You may be met at the aircraft door at disembarking only to be met by U.S. Air Marshall’s, Airport Police and possible the Federal Bureau of Investigation (depending on the seriousness of the act, the Captain can elect to divert to the nearest airport which raises all sorts of problems for the violator!).

The flight attendants that have spoken before in this thread should be commended for standing by their training. Hopefully the above information can be used by them in the future when confronted with passengers (inebriated or otherwise) and on other board postings.

Regarding TSA allowing alcohol through screening areas:
1. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
2. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
3. Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

*More than 70 percent alcohol content (140 proof) is prohibited from carry-on and checked luggage. Up to 5 liters of alcohol with alcoholic content between 24 percent and 70 percent are allowed per person as carry-on if bought inside checkpoint.

So you may pass screening in a fashion described at the outset of this article but…many distilled beverages exceed the 140 proof threshold. Be careful of this as an alert TSA screener could confiscate your bottle(s) and subject your other carry-ons to further scrutiny based on probable cause.

Wrong, right, legal, illegal…c’mon. I’ve been on flights where I was given a free drink just because. I’m not looking to get psycho, I just don’t have the money to buy expensive drinks. Same reason I have a nice bar at home and don’t go out. I don’t think they’d arrest you for having one Gin and tonic

It is against the airline’s liquor license. Would you bring your own liquor into a bar? Flight Attendants are required by law to ask you to not drink your own if they see it. If you refuse, they may confiscate it.

this too much every other person is your dumb this your dumb that you can do this you can do that if every one on here is F/A then how come everyone has a completely different set of rules an air plane has to have a liquor license there for no u can not consume your own alcohol and yes it is against the law so no its nobody’s right at all they take shit seriously up there. do you know what your fine is for making a plane land? yea thats comming out of your pocket. if u can afford a flight ticket then u can afford over priced shooters so deal with it why even leave a chance of getting in trouble and getting it taken away it’l cost the same

Just put a letter big red letter A on all the people who feel they can not get through the flight without a drink and let them do it! At least everyone would know they have been checked for alcohol. Involve more paperwork too while you’re at it, have everyone fill out disclaimers and liability releases! Better yet, separate the planes, alcohol flight and non alcohol flights! Can we possibly get any more absurd when trying to have fun?

And per some company policies, the only alcohol allowed to be consumed onboard is that purchased from airline personnel. Save it for your destination vs. dealing with repercussions of not adhering to flight crew instructions to put your alcohol away.

Ok so there seems to be a lot of arguments saying yay or ney. The way I see it, if you can get it through security and your allowed to have it. What’s the harm in asking your flight attendant? If the answer is no it’s no. You’ve spent about $15 on liquor which now you can just have at your hotel! Hardly a waste if money. It’s not about being an alcoholic it’s about having a screwdriver to calm my nerves at 6am when your not serving liquor.

As a veteran Flight Attendant I can tell you that there are different policies for different airlines. You can interpret, or misinterpret the law any way you like. But what is more important, is the individual carrier policy. When the federal law is different than the carrier policy, the stronger of the two prevail.
As far as the flight attendants not knowing–whether people chose to acknowledge it or not, their behavior is almost always affected by alcohol–we almost always notice! Just yesterday, I had a gentleman denied boarding his connecting flight because he became intoxicated on mine. I had no choice but to report it. If the drinks are really that important, perhaps you should seek help!!

I know alcohol and food are not the same, but for those comparing bringing alcohol on the plane to bringing alcohol to a bar, you CAN bring food onboard to avoid paying for the lame plane food offered. Why shouldn’t you be able to bring your own minis? When you go to a bar or restaurant you go there specifically for drink or food. When you go on a plane it is for the transportation service. Laws aside, and no one seems to have the definitive answer, the analogy is erroneous.

1. you need to remove this because I am reporting it to the FAA as false information
2. Really? Who drinks a cocktail without ice- if you look like
a.trash
b. ask for a cup of ice and cocktail accessories- you’re busted and you will be busted because the FAA will look at this and send an industry wide e-mail to set examples for all the idiots who will continue to break the laws. the laws (regulations) are there for a reason; flight attendants aren’t obligated to put up with trashy-drunk assholes.
So please feel free- do this- it will guarantee to cut your trashy vegas vacation\wedding short.

You can bring alcohol on board an aircraft but you are not allowed to consume it. The FAA which puts out Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s) for all airlines that hold a certificate within the United States does not allow passengers to consume their own alcohol. Not only can you as the passenger get in trouble for this but the Airline and the Flight Attendant receive a rather large fine. Up to $5,000 for the Flight Attendant who allowed it and I have seen fines up to $40,000 for the airline. Remember that TSA just monitors what you bring on the aircraft the FAA monitors what you do with what you bring on board the aircraft, big difference.

“Sec. 121.575 — Alcoholic beverages.
(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

(b) No certificate holder may serve any alcoholic beverage to any person aboard any of its aircraft who—

Maybe it is a law or not. but its a law that is favored by airlines. It’s like when a road has a 55 mph speed zone and then a 25 mph speed zone hoping to catch you not paying attention. Speed trap. Why else would the allow the alcohol and can;t drink them. If this was true why allow alcohol on plane them if you can’t drink it.

I dunno about you all..but if someone drinks all that hard liquor that was in that ziplock bag in 1 sitting..I would say they are gonna be mighty intoxicated.I myself wouldn’t want to be on a flight..especially an international flight with a lot of drunks. I know not all would drink that much right after the other but you know there are people that will if they knew of this ability to get the alcohol on the airplane. Trust me..I do-not like the higher fees either but I can also wait to get to where I am going before I get drunk ….Just my 2 cents.

I am more concerned about taking full bottles to my destination…I fly international alot and all liquor is included with Singapore Air. For 6 or less hours of flying, use your bottles at the airport
to get a buzz….they are more expensive than the airplane….

Did you know that drinking your own alchohol on a flight is illegal? I am a Flight Attendant. You may want to do your research before writing articles like this and potentially getting people into trouble. If we catch someone drinking we have to confiscate it, dump it down the laboratory toilet and document it. We are required to write down all the passengers information to be tracked so that depending on the severity the Airline will contact the passenger. Depending on the severity during the flight , this could result in security meeting the aircraft and the possibility of being out on a no fly list. Trust me people , it’s not worth it. I implore everyone to do their research.

Here’s the link to the Canadian law. Much like the US law, you have to have an FA pour it for you but there’s nothing wrong with it besides that… they won’t pour if you’re wasted, of course. Looks like even FAs need to educate themselves. And yes, that’s kind of the sad part, someone at the airline is training the FAs to think that it’s illegal so that they don’t forgo the profits of selling alcohol on board… and as someone pointed out it’s illegal to disobey and FA. So, if one won’t pour it for you because he/she thinks that it’s illegal, I suppose you have to listen, even though you’re right and they’re wrong.

The only problem with your great idea is that your not allowed to consume your own alcohol on board an aircraft. If your flight attendant catches you he or she will confiscate it and possibly have the authorities meet you at your destination.
(I would)
From, your not so friendly flight attendant.

WOW. Talk about irresponsible reporting. This is HIGHLY illegal. Yeah, you can bring it, but enjoy your jail time/massive fines if you are found drinking it onboard. Not to mention 99% of incidents in the air involve some douche who decided to have one too many. And believe it or not, alcohol affects you differently at 40 000ft in a pressurized metal tube than on the ground. Hence why your flight attendants spend far too much f’ing time watching out for dicks like you instead of being able to just focus on providing great customer service. JSYK, if you have had one too many on your flight, there are countries that will not even let you in but send you right back. And it is also ILLEGAL for a flight attendant to let someone board an aircraft if they are inebriated as they now pose a safety risk to the other passengers. Besides, who wants to sit next to that for a 4 hour flight?

I understood this to be a blog, not a news report. And I have been scrolling and scanning through almost 1000 comments and just can’t believe how many people comment as if they are the only person in the world who KNOWS what the “law” is. I’m curious how you get to the point of typing out a comment without realizing that there are already eleventeen dozen comments that say the exact same freakin’ thing. Wow.

I have been bringing mini bottle of alcohol on flights for years. I learned the trick from a flight attendant! I don’t openly show them that I have brought my own alcohol, but it is also completely legal. I order a soda and a cup with ice, they walk away, I pour in my booze :) When the flight attendants do find out you have brought your own stash they simply ask that you let them know how many you have brought so they can keep tabs on you. I suppose if you don’t get rowdy then there’s no issue. I bring two to take the edge off of flying. I would ask that you take this blog down so my little secret doesn’t go national and then some idiot gets drunk and rowdy and ruins it for all of us.

I’m a flight attendant and I have to tell you it is very much illegal to drink your own alcohol on a plane. Same as going to a bar or restaurant. And honestly it’s about the same price. Being caught drinking your personal alcohol on an aircraft can cause you to be arrested and fined. INSTEAD! Bring a box of chocolates to your crew and they’ll likely take care of you. :wink wink:

My friend and I have been doing this for years now… Two points: you can have more then one 1 qt bag, so you don’t need to leave your cologne (or the second bag of booze) at home. Also, I wouldn’t suggest flaunting that you brought 7-20 mini-bottles with you on the plane but I order Ice in a cup all the time (and sometimes even mixers) even sharing with others around me, and I’ve never had a single FA say anything to me. Like any flight you’re on, don’t get plowed, smile at the FAs and if confronted offer a drink and apologize if they really want you to stop it should help defuse the tension.

Ya know, after reading all this, illegal, legal, served by a cert holder, safety over profit, bottom line….no more alcohol on planes for consumption, period! how do I know that the pilot isnt a closet alcoholic?, or even the air marshall who is incognito and supposed to be ensuring our safety?, all this debate over something this petty, sounds like my 5 year old neices and nephews arguing over who gets to play with the toy! sheesh people,, get over it.

Flight attendant service announcement. If you are caught drinking from your own container on a fl)ight, the flight attendants are required to confiscate alcohol and return it to you at the end of the flight. All alcohol consumed onboard aircraft must be opened and served by a crew member. Happy flying and Safe Travels :)

You’re an idiot!
It’s illegal to drink your own alcohol on board an aircraft…
Have fun talking with the cops when you land and having the FA’s confiscate your liquor!
Riff Raff like you make flying a nightmare for everyone!

Okay, seriously people. DON’T DO THIS!!! Yes, it’s okay to bring them through security. NO, it’s NOT okay to drink them on your flight. It is SO illegal! You can bring duty free on board, too, but DON’T DRINK IT TIL YOU GET TO YOUR FINAL DESTINATION! I work for an airline, I know what I’m talking about. Far better to tell the crew of the flight it’s your anniversary or birthday to get a free drink or two. And don’t get drunk before your flight, because you’ll get denied boarding. No messing around here people! Intoxication and airplanes mix to make some unhappy situations!!!

Canadian Flight Attendant here… unlike it states in the FAA, our CARS regulations state differently — that yes, you CAN bring your own alcohol (duty free, purchase from home etc), however you may not consume it on board, and you may not give it to a flight attendant to serve to you. Yes there are many tricks in the book, but the reason FA’s get so up in arms about it, is because the majority of passengers who cause safety problems on board an aircraft are under the influence of alcohol or drugs (this information comes from generated reports each year). We are taught to be aware of it, and sometimes some FA’s may make more of a scene, but it is a big issue we need to be concerned about.

The other day when all the passengers had deplaned, we found 5 empty mini’s in a seat pocket — none of has had any idea that they were being consumed during the flight, which is usually the case — however, we made a report and also had the Gate Agent write a note on their file (according to the seat location).

So sure, go ahead and take your chances — if you run into someone like me on board, I will most definitely be quite nice about it, however I will still pour out your alcohol — the safety of the passengers and crew on board are much more important to me than you enjoying your much needed drink.

you found 5 mini’s that some passenger who in your delusional head was a safety threat. Yet you landed safely, with no problem. AMIRITE? yeah, thats what i thought. This is about profit, since you serve alcohol on board. if you were that worried about it being a safety issue, you wouldn’t serve booze at all. I am not sure why this has to be explained to you, because it is obvious to anyone with critical thinking skills!

This is going on and one with complete idiots posting about how it’s illegal bc apparently they are illiterate and cannot read the 400 times someone has posted ACTUALS LAWS FROM A LAW WEBSITE saying that you can bring it on a place but a flight attendant has to serve it to you. Seriously, what am I missing here that even people who work for the airlines aren’t understanding. It’s very simple people. Even Jet Blue’s regulation website has been posted saying it’s ok and yet we have these idiots still commenting that it’s not. What is scary is the amount of people who are supposed to be airline industry professionals that don’t seem to know, or who don’t understand plain english. This is why people are rude to many of you. You are incompetant, barely literate fools who clearly are awful at your job. I’m going to keep this in mind when dealing with you people from now on. As if ythe TSA and the downfall of the entire industry itself wasn’t enough, now it’s clear many airline employees rather spread lies and misinformation under some BS guide of safety. I think what us travelers can take away from this is that you better know the rules and regs so you don’t get falsely accused of something by an ignorant, bullying, airline employee! It is very likely many people have been taken advantage of for a myriad of things if this is the kind of people they have working for them!!!!

These replies have been the highlight of my morning! Everyone on their high horse about the law, Pu-lease! As many people stated, it’s also illegal to go 1mph above the speed limit, but we all do it. As for all the “Oh Mylanta! If you can’t wait 2-3 hours for a drink then you have bigger issues” I think most of us drink b/c we are terrified of flying, I don’t think the majority of us who want to enjoy a cocktail or two on board are trying to turn the plane into our own personal club/bar. We’re not trying to get shit wrecked, we just want a beverage or two (maybe 3) to make it through the flight.

As for security purposes, I get that, but how is having 2 of your own drinks a security threat but not buying 2 drinks from the attendants? I understand they want to monitor people’s liquor intake, but how do they know what everyone’s tolerance is? I have friends who get hammered off 3 drinks, I have friends who could still operate heavy machinery after 15. If someone is getting drunk and rowdy that’s one thing, but if we’re sitting un noticed in a window seat silently sipping a vodka sprite, while catching up on “50 Shades of Grey” before it hits theaters, who gives a shit that it’s HIGHLY ILLEGAL? If it’s such a security threat then why not just ban alcohol on flights and airports all together?! Wouldn’t that solve the security issue? And serious alcoholics will be serious alcoholics no matter the restrictions you put on them.

And the “if you can’t afford a drink, then don’t drink” comments. I have no problem paying $7 for a drink, in fact, I do it frequently, hell, I’ll pay $15 for a good drink. But keep in mind, this is mainly while I’m out with friends, enjoying a good meal, and I’m paying for the ATMOSPHERE not the drink itself. There is no way that the “pressurized metal tube” as so many referred to it as, is worthy atmosphere of a $7 drink. And as far as getting it past TSA in the 3.4oz bottle, in the 1 Qt. bag, how many bottles can one person even get onto the plane? I think the article claimed 10, but I might have to call bullshit on that one. I am a girl, so I do need my other ‘liquid essentials’ but I have only been able to get in maybe 3-4 tops. And really, 3-4 drinks on a plane isn’t enough to get me trashed. Especially if I’m flying 3-4 hours, that’s one drink an hour, I’d be lucky to have a buzz. I understand everyone wants to claim to be such law abiding citizens but should this really be getting you all in a huff? Just be glad they’re keeping the weapons off the plane and let us sit a sip a cocktail that we brought on the plane legally, its not that serious. If you have a problem with it being HIGHLY ILLEGAL, then don’t YOU do it. And I better not catch you speeding or stealing your neighbors wifi either!

There are many alternatives to ease discomfort than drinking illegally on a plane. You have to admit, sneaking drinks anywhere has a negative connotation…the word “sneak” IS in there. I know many folks who are scared of flying, but find easier and legal ways to do it. Again, drink at an airport bar for starters and THEN buy maybe a drink on the flight.

“but how is having 2 of your own drinks a security threat but not buying 2 drinks from the attendants? I understand they want to monitor people’s liquor intake, but how do they know what everyone’s tolerance is?”

They don’t. But they REGULATE drinks. That means they have the responsibility of monitoring passengers and their inebriation; some do it better than others. In the “pressurized metal tube” in the sky, one can suffer from hypoxia…less oxygen to the brain in a high altitude environment…which is exacerbated with alcohol. And, if you’re afraid of flying, one might make the mistake of self-medicating too much too fast. That becomes a problem. Even the nicest person can become a jerk under the influence. I get that you’re not trying to party, but alcohol can cause problems, and you’re in an enclosed space with a lot of people. Safety is a HUGE concern. So quit trying to sweep that under this notion of us being on our high horse.

“but if we’re sitting un noticed in a window seat silently…”

Look, the point of…at least, MY comments…is less about condemning the few who wish to drink silently and responsibly, but the fact that the author DOES NOT MENTION IT IS ILLEGAL. People raising a fuss are more likely trying to put that point across. We aren’t here to ruin your fun; we want to raise points. And yes, the author never mentions to drink them on the flight…oh, except for THE TITLE OF THE ARTICLE.

“If it’s such a security threat then why not just ban alcohol on flights and airports all together?!”

This kind of argument is pointless.

“There is no way the “pressurized metal tube” as so many referred to it as, is worthy atmosphere of a $7 drink.”

The way you’ve worded this makes it about drinking being about fun and about atmosphere, which counters your points about it being about calming nerves.

“And I better not catch you speeding or stealing your neighbors wifi either!”

Nice ad hominem to close out the comment. Are you seriously comparing stealing someone’s wifi to causing a problem on a plane?

I am not comparing that at all, because I’m not referring to people who are causing a problem on a plane, I can probably guess that 99% of the people who have commented stating that they have done this in the past have never caused a problem on the plane. I’m comparing 2 things that are “stealing” and “sneaking” that if they aren’t bothering anyone who really cares?!

I’m not defending people who are inebriated beyond belief and are causing a problem on the plane, but I think the majority of us can agree that isn’t the goal when “sneaking” a few cocktails on a long flight, we aren’t bothering anyone.

Sorry, Marce, but saying that if i’m upset about people sneaking drinks on a flight I should be upset about people stealing wifi, that’s comparison. You’re dumbing down the acts in some bizarre way. And again, still comparing them when you say that they are sneaking and stealing, so who cares if you aren’t bothering anyone. Your original statement is “If you have a problem with it being HIGHLY ILLEGAL, then don’t YOU do it. And I better not catch you speeding or stealing your neighbors wifi either!” Translation: Since I don’t like this idea of ILLEGALLY drinking on a flight, don’t do it. But since I’m all “bent out of shape” about on-flight drinking, I better not do other crimes, one of which is more of a nuisance.

Personally, I don’t care what you do. Do whatever you need to do as long as it doesn’t make my flight terrible.

My point is still that’s it’s illegal, and no mention of that was made in the article.

Better make sure the stewards are on board with this! I tried this on a flight to Hawaii. Had no problems with them going thru security but was yelled at & told it was illegal when filling my glass on the plane!

Hello, a Canadian commercial pilot here. As all of my flight attendant counterparts have been correct in pointing out, this is illegal. Here are the official rules. First from the Canadian Aviation Regulations:

“Alcohol or Drugs — Passengers
602.04 (1) In this section, “intoxicating liquor” means a beverage that contains more than 2.5 per cent proof spirits.

(2) No person shall consume on board an aircraft an intoxicating liquor unless the intoxicating liquor
(a) has been served to that person by the operator of the aircraft; or
(b) where no flight attendant is on board, has been provided by the operator of the aircraft.

(3) No operator of an aircraft shall provide or serve any intoxicating liquor to a person on board the aircraft, where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person’s faculties are impaired by alcohol or a drug to an extent that may present a hazard to the aircraft or to persons on board the aircraft.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), no operator of an aircraft shall allow a person to board the aircraft, where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person’s faculties are impaired by alcohol or a drug to an extent that may present a hazard to the aircraft or to persons on board the aircraft.

(5) The operator of an aircraft may allow a person whose faculties are impaired by a drug to board an aircraft, where the drug was administered in accordance with a medical authorization and the person is under the supervision of an attendant.”

(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

(b) No certificate holder may serve any alcoholic beverage to any person aboard any of its aircraft who—

(1) Appears to be intoxicated;

(2) Is escorting a person or being escorted in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.221; or

(3) Has a deadly or dangerous weapon accessible to him while aboard the aircraft in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.219, 1544.221, or 1544.223.

(c) No certificate holder may allow any person to board any of its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.

(d) Each certificate holder shall, within five days after the incident, report to the Administrator the refusal of any person to comply with paragraph (a) of this section, or of any disturbance caused by a person who appears to be intoxicated aboard any of its aircraft.”

Donald P. Byrne (Acting Assistant Chief Counsel – Regulations and Enforcement Division of the [United States] FAA) wrote about the FAA regulation in question : “The intent of the regulation is to give the certificate holder complete control over the consumption of alcohol by requiring the certificate holder to serve the alcohol. This regulation does not prohibit passengers from bringing their own alcoholic beverages on board the aircraft; however, those alcoholic beverages and any other alcoholic beverages, must be served by the certificate holder.” 1989 WL 1631937 (D.O.T.) Legal Interpretation

Yes, all the regulations say they must “be served by” a flight attendant but no where does it say you cannot bring your own alcohol and have that served to you.

Yes it is illegal. Just like bringing your own bottle into a bar to pour your own would be. It is not under the FAA but the liquor & gaming laws. They are usually based on the laws of the state/province the airline is based out of, or the place of departure. And no you likely won’t get arrested literally on the flight – the pilots will call ahead and have authorities waiting for you when you get off. Also an offence committed on an aircraft is usually federal, so you will likely end up with a permanent record if convicted. Don’t do it!

Great idea, however FAA regulations do not permit passengers to drink their own liquor. It must be served by a flight attendant. Just when you thought you could get around the rules….May I suggest you look into your local AA chapter??? With this much preoccupation and planning on being able to drink you truly need to evaluate if you have an alcohol problem.

Just one problem….they dont allow you to drink your own alcohol on any flight. “as a warning, the effects of alcohol are increased with altitude, only alcohol served by us may be consumed on board, we reserve the right refuse to serve alcohol to anyone based on their consumption and not just by their behaviour.”

In Canada, once you step on an aircraft, you are under the jurisdiction of Canadian Federal Law. These are called the Canadian Air Regulations (CARs). Any contravention of these regulations can lead to criminal prosecution.
Let me make that crystal clear. CRIMINAL. You cannot drink your own alcohol on board. the aircraft. Period. End of story. Playing semantics or misinterpretation of said laws is a very slippery slope indeed. And could leave you with a criminal record.
Take the alcohol for consumption at your destination? Sure, no problem if it complies with all security regs. And having an open bottle of alcohol on you going into certain destinations can also be very risky and illegal.
These laws and regulations, whether they be Canadian, American or International, are designed to ensure your safety on board a giant, metal tube flying at 35,000 feet at speeds of 800+kph. We don’t take that lightly and neither should you. Fly safe and legally everyone!

I don’t think people are understanding some of the consequences that come with consuming your own alcohol on board. It’s a FAA regulation meaning it’s against the law to do so. I had a passenger who was caught not once but twice in the same flight consuming his own alcohol. His passport was confiscated on the flight and handed to police officers who escorted him off the plane once we landed. He was black listed from flights on out carrier as well. The idea sounds good but the consequences are not worth it. I’d rather pay the $7 than to risk wasting my first vacation day dealing with police officers in some unknown country or city.

hey guys, i’m the head of the governing body for civilian aircrew and also i used to be a pilot for a major carrier before i got picked up by the air marshals as a terror-stopper. let me tell you, unequivocally, that any flight attendant who tries to stop you from drinking has no legal basis for their demands. every person in this thread who said otherwise is a filthy liar, and any person who contradicts me after this point is intentionally trying to mislead you.

flight attendants, pilots, and air marshals: stay in your lane, this has nothing to do with any of you.

Excuse me. You need to watch yourself and your words.
YOU, sir, are wrong and don’t know what you’re saying.
According to US federal law, it is ILLEGAL to consume alcohol not given to someone by a flight attendant.
DO NOT call us, flight crew out, because we clearly know what the laws are.

You clearly are not an officer of the law, and it is outside the scope of our duty to expect those officers that may be aboard as marshals or at the various airports to use their authority in order to enforce the policies of the companies that hired us. Davey, you are grossly under qualified to be spouting off about what you “clearly” know to be law. riddle me this, are you air crew or are you law enforcement? are you air crew or are you an attorney? are you air crew or are you a legislator? I will repeat myself, stay in your lane. You are not Wyatt Earp and the sky is not the wild west.

David – can you please cite something that actually says it is illegal?

FAA Sec. 121.575 — Alcoholic beverages.
(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

Donald P. Byrne (Acting Assistant Chief Counsel – Regulations and Enforcement Division of the FAA) wrote about the FAA regulation in question : “The intent of the regulation is to give the certificate holder complete control over the consumption of alcohol by requiring the certificate holder to serve the alcohol. This regulation does not prohibit passengers from bringing their own alcoholic beverages on board the aircraft; however, those alcoholic beverages and any other alcoholic beverages, must be served by the certificate holder.”

I’ve posted this before, yet people keep claiming this is illegal. From the information I found, you CAN bring your own alcohol AND drink it – it just has to be served by a flight attendant. However, airlines can have their own policies prohibiting flight attendants from doing so. However, it is a policy, not a law and therefore NOT illegal to do.

Pull them out on the plane, and the LEAST that will be done is scolding you.
In fact, it is ILLEGAL to consume anything alcoholic that a flight attendant doesn’t give you, and you could be punished by federal law.
Yes, you can bring them with you on the plane, but don’t open them.
Just a heads up from me, a flight attendant. ;-)

I really cannot believe that there is this much contreversary over booze. Yes the flight attendents should have to sell it so it can be regulated. I sure as hell wouldn’t want some loud mouth snook sitting next to me gettting higher by the minute on his own alcohol. Oh I know some will say that they will just have a drink or two–which is fine, BUT whats good for the goose is good for the gander, so I say Buy it at 7.$ and stay sober.